Project Manager | UK Defence Sector
Huddersfield | Hybrid | Perm | Full-time | 37.5 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
Shape Complex Defence Projects from Start to Finish
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Project Manager to join our UK Defence business, taking ownership of the successful delivery of complex, long-duration projects. This is a pivotal role where you will lead from the front-ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in full alignment with contractual and technical requirements.
You will operate at the heart of the business, collaborating across multiple functions and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internally and externally. If you thrive in a structured yet fast-paced environment and enjoy managing complexity, this role offers both challenge and reward.
What You’ll Be Responsible For:
As Project Manager, you will act as the Project Owner, with full accountability for execution and delivery. Your responsibilities will span the entire project lifecycle:
- Project Leadership & Execution
Lead the delivery of one or more complex projects, ensuring alignment to scope, schedule, and budget
Drive performance against established product, project, and contract baselines
Maintain clear ownership and accountability for outcomes
- Contract & Deliverables Management
Ensure all contractual obligations and deliverables are achieved
Monitor progress against milestones and proactively address any deviations
- Planning & Governance
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute robust Project Management Plans
Ensure governance frameworks and controls are adhered to throughout delivery
- Stakeholder Engagement
Serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders
Tailor communication based on stakeholder needs, influence, and expectations
Build trust through transparency, clarity, and consistency
- Risk & Opportunity Management
Identify, assess, and manage risks and opportunities at project level
Implement mitigation strategies and capitalise on opportunities where possible
- Change Control
Lead structured change management processes
Ensure all changes are captured, assessed, and controlled effectively
- Financial Oversight
Manage forecasting and ensure achievement of cash milestone payments
Partner with Finance to track and report project financial performance
- Issue Resolution
Proactively identify and resolve issues
Minimise impact to project scope, schedule, and cost
- Performance Monitoring & Reporting
Track project performance, including dependencies, assumptions, and critical path
Produce clear, data-driven reports for senior leadership and external stakeholders
Relationship Building
- Foster strong, collaborative relationships across project teams and stakeholder groups
Promote a positive, solution-focused team culture
What You Bring:
Were looking for someone who combines technical understanding with strong leadership and organisational capability.
Experience & Knowledge:
Proven experience in Project Management (formal qualification desirable)
Background in Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing environments preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Project)
SAP knowledge advantageous, but not essential
Core Competencies:
Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Strong organisational ability with excellent time management
Confidence in managing multiple priorities simultaneously
Resilience and adaptability in a challenging, fast-paced environment
Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capability
Leadership Qualities:
Integrity and accountability
Collaborative approach with the ability to influence and guide others
Skilled in conflict resolution and decision-making
Emotionally intelligent, with the ability to adapt communication styles
Why Join?
You’ll be joining a globally recognised engineering organisation with a rich heritage spanning nearly 300 years, delivering high-performance mechanical power transmission solutions across defence, marine, industrial, and energy sectors.
With 24 locations worldwide and over 1,200 employees, we combine deep engineering expertise with global manufacturing capability-supporting some of the most demanding and mission-critical applications.
This is your opportunity to:
Work on impactful, high-value defence projects
Collaborate with experienced professionals across multiple disciplines
Grow your career in a structured and supportive environment
Be part of a business with a strong legacy and forward-looking innovation
Important Information
Due to the sensitive nature of the work within the defence sector:
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK
Successful applicants must be able to obtain the required security clearance
If you’re ready to take ownership of complex projects and make a tangible impact within the defence sector, wed love to hear from you. Apply today or reach out for a confidential discussion.
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