Project Manager

Job Description Due to significant new business opportunities and continued growth, CMS2 is expanding its Project Management team. We are seeking an experienced Project Manager with a proven background in R&D-led, defence or safety-critical engineering environments to deliver complex, technology-driven equipment programmes within a highly regulated industry.This role is best suited to candidates with experience delivering projects where technical complexity, regulatory compliance, and mission-critical performance are fundamental to success.This is a highly visible role operating at the forefront of advanced maritime defence systems, leading multi-disciplined teams across the full project lifecycle from early concept and development, through qualification and production, to life-in-service support and, where required, product retirement. You will operate with genuine accountability, influence, and autonomy within a business built on engineering excellence, safety-critical delivery, and customer trust.The RoleYou will be accountable for the end-to-end delivery of complex technical projects, ensuring time, cost, and quality objectives are achieved while complying with strict regulatory, contractual, and governance requirements.You will lead matrix and integrated project teams, manage senior internal and external stakeholders, and provide clear, data-driven reporting to customers and senior leadership.Key ResponsibilitiesDeliver complex technical projects using business-standard PM tools (e.g. Gantt charts, ROI trackers)Lead and coordinate multi-disciplined matrix project teamsOwn project financial planning, forecasting, and cost controlProduce and present robust project reporting for customers and senior stakeholdersMaintain strong commercial control of the contracts, effectively managing scope and change both internally and with customers.Maintain strong project and contractual baseline control, managing change effectivelyDeliver projects in line with the CMS2 project lifecyclePromote best practice and actively develop project team capabilityTrack and support the business through project KPIsManage customer relationships and reporting for assigned projectsDrive stakeholder alignment and proactively manage risk, issues, and opportunitiesSupport new business bids within the scope of the Project Management roleGeneral ActivitiesSupport the Project Management Director with process and tool improvementsProvide cover and support for colleagues during peak periods or absenceMaintain continuous professional developmentAct as a professional ambassador for CMS2 at all timesWhat Were Looking ForEssentialProven experience in Project / Programme Management, ideally within a regulated engineering, defence, or manufacturing environmentBackground in engineering, manufacturing, defence, or similar technical industriesDemonstrable track record of delivering projects to time, cost, and qualityExcellent communication skills with the ability to influence and negotiate at all levelsEffective and credible presenter; professional and credible with customers and senior stakeholdersStrong planning capability with high attention to detail and financial management acumenSolid understanding of full project lifecycle / stage-gate deliveryExperience managing risk, opportunity, and lessons-learned processesStrong working knowledge of Microsoft Project and MS OfficeCommercial awareness and business management mindsetClear commitment to continuous improvementExperience with recognised PM methodologies (e.g. PRINCE2, APM PMQ, PMP)DesirableFormal Project Management qualification (APM or similar)Degree qualified or equivalent relevant experienceExperience of matrix managementERP / MRP system exposureLean manufacturing or business transformation experienceUnderstanding of governance, planning, and organisational strategyTravelUK-based role with occasional UK and overseas travel (Overseas travel not expected to exceed one month)SecurityCandidates must have an existing right to live and work in the UK.Candidates will need to undergo an internal BPSS check prior to gaining site access.Candidates will also need to either hold a current SC clearance or be willing and eligible to undergo a Security Clearance check (SC level) upon starting their employment with the company.To gain SC clearance you will normally need at least 5 years UK residency.

Created: 2026-04-30