Senior Project Manager

October 23, 2026

Hybrid

Senior

Basildon, United Kingdom

Keep in mind

Security clearance required

Also worth knowing

Part-time role

Description

Senior Project Manager required for the Precision Guidance IPT within the Sensors Business Area of the Integrated Sensing & Protection line of business. The role leads multiple complex projects delivering seeker capabilities and low-TRL technology development for the UK MoD and international customers. It combines project delivery accountability, governance, risk management and bid support with coaching of the project management function. The position is Basildon-based on a permanent hybrid contract with security clearance requirements.

Responsibilities

Deliver cutting-edge seeker capabilities to UK and international customers
Maintain and enhance operational systems for customers
Oversee the development of next-generation products and low-TRL technologies
Support business-winning activities to secure future growth
Be accountable for delivery of specific projects in the portfolio
Apply leadership, governance and problem-solving to deliver complex projects to time, cost and quality
Lead early-stage technology development projects and manage uncertainty in requirements, technical feasibility and resource allocation
Establish robust governance and risk frameworks for low-TRL initiatives
Identify technical, schedule and integration risks and implement mitigation plans
Support bids and campaigns across the Precision Guidance IPT to increase Pwin
Manage available resource against future demand together with the Project Engineering Lead and Project Engineering Managers
Escalate unresolved issues to the Head of Programmes and Head of Engineering Projects
Prepare monthly project reviews for VP Sensors and, as required, SVP ISP
Improve financial performance against baseline targets
Ensure adherence to company governance and Lifecycle Management (LCM) processes
Monitor cost and schedule progress and lead planning, allocation and reporting of work
Anticipate, mitigate and manage dependencies, risks and synergies
Build and maintain working relationships with all functions to influence and deliver projects
Develop relationships with internal and external customers and suppliers based on trust and collaboration
Provide coaching and mentoring to IPT members, particularly within the project management function

Requirements

Proven experience in leading projects at early stages of development where requirements, technologies and risks are evolving
Excellent stakeholder management skills, influencing senior leadership and maintaining customer relationships
Deep understanding of product development processes from concept and low-TRL maturation through to sustainment and retirement
Robust risk and issue management capabilities with a track record of proactive mitigation in uncertain environments
Leadership and team development experience fostering collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams
Strong governance and delivery discipline ensuring projects meet scope, schedule and budget
Knowledge of compliance standards and regulatory requirements relevant to defence and aerospace
Exceptional communication and presentation skills, able to simplify complex technical and commercial information
Proactive, results-driven mindset focused on continuous improvement and high performance
Working knowledge of Lifecycle Management (LCM), project execution, risk management and project controls
Experience in business-winning activities, including bid support and campaign planning
Ability to organise, prioritise and work autonomously in a fast-paced environment
Flexibility and adaptability to change, with resilience under pressure
Strong problem-solving skills and lateral thinking in ambiguous early development phases
Ability to integrate and communicate across multiple functions and geographically dispersed teams
Good computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications
Ideally APMP, PRINCE-2 or PMI PMP certified

Conditions

Full-time permanent role with hybrid working options and flexible hours
Some out-of-hours and extended working hours anticipated as required
Basildon-based role with wider travel to other company and customer sites
Up to 12 additional flexi-days accrued each year
Award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution
Free access to mental health support, financial advice and employee-led networks
Bonus scheme available for management level and below
Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning
Referral programme with a financial reward
Up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental and gym memberships
Pre-employment screening under the UK Government's Baseline Personnel Security Standard with possible National Security Vetting
Part-time opportunities can be discussed on request