Project Manager, Operations Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager

Recruitment Researcher for Defence Engineering Contractors at The Thrive Team

We are looking to appoint a Project Manager to take full ownership of the end-to-end delivery of engineering and manufacturing projects. This role has been created as part of a deliberate shift in how the business delivers work—moving away from traditional operations leadership and towards strong, accountable project delivery
.

You will manage projects from contract award through design, manufacture, and final delivery
, acting as the primary client interface and ensuring delivery to time, cost, quality, and regulatory requirements.

This is a hands‑on, site‑critical role, well suited to a technically grounded Project Manager who thrives in smaller, fast‑moving organisations where visibility, ownership, and impact are high.

Key Responsibilities

• Full lifecycle project delivery from initiation to handover
• Lead and coordinate engineering, design, production, and quality teams
• Set the standard for project execution, safety, and performance
• Manage project budgets, cost control, and margin protection
• Identify, manage, and mitigate project risks and opportunities
• Maintain strong client relationships through clear, transparent communication
• Produce regular internal and external project reporting (cost, schedule, risk)
• Manage contract scope, change control, EWNs and Compensation Events
• Support production and site teams through regular shop floor and site presence
• Plan and coordinate workloads with engineering and production teams
• Support tendering activities, including estimates and project input

Scope of the Role

• Delivery of 3–4 concurrent projects (with scope to increase)
• Travel to UK engineering sites as required
• Close collaboration with Supply Chain to maximise value
• Identification of delivery‑related risks within contract clauses
• Direct reporting line to the General Manager, supported by a wider PM network

Experience, Skills & Qualifications

• Engineering background (HND/HNC minimum)
• Experience delivering medium to complex engineering/manufacturing projects
• Proficient in Microsoft Project and Excel
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple workloads
• Comfortable working in pressured, delivery‑focused environments
• Experience in nuclear, defence, or highly regulated environments
• Knowledge of NEC contracts
• Strong commercial awareness, analytical and negotiation skills

What We’re Looking For

• A technically credible Project Manager (engineering background is essential)
• Confident decision‑maker with a delivery mindset
• Collaborative leader who works well across engineering and production teams
• Someone adaptable, pragmatic, and comfortable taking ownership

Why Join?

• Work in a smaller, high‑visibility organisation rather than a large corporate
• Reduced bureaucracy and greater ownership of outcomes
• Strong project pipeline in regulated engineering sectors
• Supportive leadership with project delivery experience
• Access to a wider Project Management community for development
• New company‑wide share option scheme launching next year

Working Pattern

• Site‑critical role
• 4 days on‑site (Monday–Thursday)
• Friday half‑day
• Hybrid / remote working not suitable

If you’re an engineering‑led Project Manager looking for greater ownership, visibility, and the chance to deliver meaningful projects in a growing business, we’d like to hear from you.

Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:
Project Management

Industries:
Manufacturing and Engineering Services

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Thrive Team by 2x

Apply BELOW