Project Manager

Job ref: 264795Location: Dorchester, Dorset, EnglandSalary: 35,000 You can get further details about the nature of this opening, and what is expected from applicants, by reading the below. - 59,000 per yearSector: Aerospace and DefencePosted: 2026-10-27Consultant: Caitlin Haughey ApplyProject ManagerDo you have the project management expertise to deliver complex, high-value technical projects within the defence and maritime sectors?

We're looking for an accomplished and results-driven Project Manager to join TKMS ATLAS UK, leading the delivery of high-value, complex projects across our Surface Ship domain. Reporting to the Head of Delivery, you will take ownership of projects valued in excess of 3 million, guiding them from initial planning and design definition through to final testing and acceptance into service.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering technically challenging projects, working closely with customers, suppliers, internal teams and external stakeholders, including Government and Navy representatives.

You will be responsible for ensuring projects meet their contractual commitments, commercial objectives, budgets and timescales while maintaining the highest standards of quality, risk management and stakeholder engagement.

As Project Manager, you will lead diverse project teams, establish effective project structures and delivery plans, and oversee the full project lifecycle. You will also contribute to bid management activities, applying project management principles to support successful business development and future project delivery.

Key responsibilities will include

Managing the delivery of complex, high-value projects from inception through to completion. Defining project structures, delivery plans and Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) based on information developed during the bid phase.

Establishing project teams and clearly defining work packages, including key subcontracted activities. Monitoring and controlling project performance against agreed budgets, schedules, contractual milestones and delivery requirements.

Managing project lifecycle activities, including planning, progress reviews, updates and formal gate reviews. Ensuring contracts remain aligned with project objectives and wider business goals. Managing project risks, opportunities, security requirements, trade controls, quality and configuration management.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal and external stakeholders. Representing the business in customer meetings, negotiations and discussions with external partners and industry stakeholders, including international engagements.

Ensuring contractual milestones are achieved and project cash flow is optimised. Contributing to bid management activities, including stakeholder management, project planning, customer and supplier negotiations, internal bid reviews and project documentation.

Setting and monitoring objectives and performance targets for project teams, work package providers and suppliers. Providing regular project updates to senior management and other stakeholders, escalating issues where appropriate.

Undertaking travel as required to support project delivery and face-to-face stakeholder engagement. What are we looking for? We're interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate: Proven experience managing complex, high-value projects, ideally valued in excess of 3 million.

Experience delivering complex technical products from initial design definition through to final testing and acceptance into service. Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of contractual requirements associated with project delivery.

Excellent organisational, leadership and stakeholder management skills, with experience leading diverse teams and suppliers. The ability to manage projects against challenging timescales, budgets and technical requirements.

Strong communication, presentation and negotiation skills, particularly when engaging with senior stakeholders, customers and external partners. Confidence communicating with both technical and non-technical audiences. The ability to engage professionally with senior management, Government representatives, Navy personnel and industry stakeholders.

A delivery-focused mindset, with the motivation and determination to achieve project objectives. The following would also be advantageous: Experience within the defence sector or another recognised high-end technical industry.

Experience contributing to bid management and project planning during the tendering process. Experience managing international stakeholders and working in overseas environments. Why TKMS ATLAS UK?TKMS ATLAS UK delivers advanced technical solutions within the defence and maritime sectors, supporting complex projects that require strong engineering expertise, commercial awareness and effective project leadership.

Joining TKMS ATLAS UK offers the opportunity to work on strategically important Surface Ship projects, collaborating with highly skilled teams and engaging with customers, suppliers and stakeholders across the defence industry.

The business supports flexible working arrangements and welcomes applications from individuals seeking full-time, part-time or condensed-hours opportunities. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to complex technical programmes, develop your project management expertise and play a key role in delivering projects that support the business's strategic objectives.

The successful candidate must be eligible to obtain full SC (Security Clearance).

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