Senior Project Manager – Defence (Bristol)

About the role

We are partnering with a leading defence development, engineering and manufacturing organisation to recruit a Senior Project Manager based in Bristol. The role is hybrid and involves full‑life‑cycle project ownership – from supporting bids for new work to delivering long‑term aerospace programmes for a global customer base.

Key responsibilities

• Report to the Head of Programmes and manage a portfolio of aerospace projects in line with company procedures.
• Participate in the bid phase, preparing proposals, estimates and initial pricing.
• Develop all project start‑up documentation, including Project Briefs, Management Plans, schedules and budgets.
• Manage risk, track progress and control time, cost and quality performance.
• Prepare financial data, update budgets, forecast estimates at completion and oversee customer invoicing.
• Coordinate resource demand and contribute to business unit resource levelling.
• Maintain stakeholder communication with internal teams, customers and suppliers.
• Control contract changes, raise issues early and support best‑practice project management across the company.

Required profile

• Engineering background with proven senior‑level project management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in demanding technical environments.
• Experience within the aerospace or defence sector and familiarity with Quality Management Systems.
• Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑moving, worldwide customer environment.

Required skills

• Project Management
• Risk Management
• Budget and financial control
• Resource planning
• Stakeholder and contract management
• Quality Management System (QMS) awareness