Project Manager

Project Manager Department: Defence Location: Colchester A leading UK-based engineering and manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join its division. The business designs, tests, certifies, and manufactures advanced manufacturing solutions for a wide range of industrial and life-critical applications. The Role This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and results-driven Project Manager to play a key role in delivering complex, strategically important UK Defence contracts. The role sits within a dedicated and high-performing team focused on ensuring on-time, right-first-time project delivery. You will be accountable for the end-to-end execution of projects, including supporting bids for new opportunities. Success in this role will require close collaboration with a multifunctional organisation, strong customer and supplier engagement, and a proven ability to manage delivery against cost, quality, and schedule. The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic self-starter, a strong team player, and a confident communicator with the drive to deliver positive change. Regular travel within the UK will be required. Key Responsibilities Act as the primary point of contact for key customers, building and maintaining strong, effective working relationships Lead commercial and technical discussions with customers and internal stakeholders Review, interpret, and manage complex contracts, statements of work, and commercial agreements Ensure projects comply with contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and internal governance Align project execution with contract requirements and business objectives Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with senior stakeholders Develop and maintain detailed project plans, budgets, resource schedules, risk registers, and change logs Apply appropriate project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or Hybrid) based on project context Lead cross-functional teams, manage dependencies, and resolve issues and conflicts Proactively manage risks, escalations, and strategic challenges Provide clear, accurate project status reporting to senior management and executive stakeholders Drive project reviews, post-implementation assessments, and lessons-learned activities Mentor and support junior Project Managers Make decisions with financial, legal, and strategic impactThis role may evolve in line with business needs, market conditions, and project requirements. Essential Experience & Qualifications Proven experience working within the Defence industry Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related discipline (Master's degree preferred) Minimum of 7 years' project management experience, including at least 3 years in a senior role Demonstrable experience managing large, complex, multi-million-pound projects Strong track record of managing external customers, suppliers, and vendor contracts Experience working closely with legal and procurement teams on commercial agreements Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) Willingness to travel regularly across the UK