Project Manager - Hudderfield

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.

• 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

• Ensure all contractual obligations and deliverables are achieved
• Monitor progress against milestones and proactively address any deviations

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute robust Project Management Plans
• Ensure governance frameworks and controls are adhered to throughout delivery

• 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

• Identify, assess, and manage risks and opportunities at project level
• Implement mitigation strategies and capitalise on opportunities where possible

• Lead structured change management processes
• Ensure all changes are captured, assessed, and controlled effectively

• Manage forecasting and ensure achievement of cash milestone payments
• Partner with Finance to track and report project financial performance

• Proactively identify and resolve issues
  
  Minimise impact to project scope, schedule, and cost

• Track project performance, including dependencies, assumptions, and critical path
• Produce clear, data-driven reports for senior leadership and external stakeholders

• Foster strong, collaborative relationships across project teams and stakeholder groups
• Promote a positive, solution-focused team culture

We’re looking for someone who combines technical understanding with strong leadership and organisational capability.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

Due to the sensitive nature of the work within the defence sector:

• Employment is subject to security and export control restrictions
• Factors such as nationality and place of birth may affect eligibility
• 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, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today or reach out for a confidential discussion.