Fortress Recruit is now looking for a Contract Project Manager, Outside IR35 for a 6-month period on behalf of a well-established Defence manufacturing business based in Poole.
This is a key delivery role responsible for leading complex, new-development projects within a highly regulated environment. You’ll take ownership of the full project lifecycle – from late development stages through qualification and into production – ensuring delivery to fixed deadlines. This is not a traditional, process-only PM role; it requires a hands‑on, dynamic individual who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-driven setting.
Key responsibilities
- Leading the planning, execution and closure of assigned projects as part of a specific project of works.
- Taking full ownership of scope, change management and change control in response to evolving customer requirements
- Managing strict, non-negotiable delivery deadlines and driving rapid response to emerging issues
- Acting as the primary customer contact, managing expectations and maintaining strong working relationships
- Planning, monitoring and controlling project costs, including revenue and cost forecasting
- Preparing regular budget, schedule and milestone reports for internal and external stakeholders
To be considered for this role, you’ll have:
- 5+ years’ project management experience within a technical or engineering defence environment
- Experience delivering complex new product development or bespoke manufacturing projects through the full design lifecycle
- Strong capability in change management and configuration control
- Commercial awareness and confidence managing customer-facing delivery
- A driven, autonomous approach with strong analytical skills and an inquisitive mindset
- Comfortable making informed decisions in a fast-moving environment and taking full ownership of outcomes
- APM PMQ or PRINCE2 Practitioner
- Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience
This is a contract role, Outside IR35 for 6 months, based in Poole. Eligibility for SC Clearance is essential (5 years’ UK residency without visa or sponsorship requirement).
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