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
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