Senior Project Manager (Defence)

Location: Westhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom; permanent hybrid working with national and international travel on an ad-hoc basis. Candidates must have the right to work and reside in the UK and hold or be able to obtain SC-level security clearance.

Company

hirify.global is a global engineering services company working across energy, defence, and maritime transport, including underwater capability, submarine rescue, diving, and hyperbaric solutions.

What you will do

• Lead complex and high-value projects independently across the full NPD lifecycle under JFS governance and reporting requirements.
• Direct multidisciplinary and global cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to stakeholder and customer expectations.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, cashflow, resource allocation, invoicing, payments, and contractual obligations.
• Build client and stakeholder relationships, including confident communication with senior leadership.
• Identify and manage project risks and opportunities, including contingency planning, change control, and benefits realisation.
• Capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement across future projects.

Requirements

• Proven experience delivering NPD projects from concept through gated processes to successful market launch.
• Strong mechanical engineering and manufacturing background, including robust design, efficient production, and Design for Manufacture.
• Experience identifying and reducing technical and manufacturing risks across the full product lifecycle.
• Ability to align cross-functional teams so design intent matches production capability and business objectives.
• Experience developing and managing project plans, timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Adaptable leadership, strong delivery record, long-term relationship-building skills, and commitment to safety leadership.
• Clear and influential communication skills, including confidence working with SLT.
• Recognised project management qualification from a reputable association is essential, such as APM or PRINCE2.
• Right to work and reside in the UK and eligibility for SC-level security clearance are required.

Nice to have

• Awareness of maritime and defence standards, including international quality and safety requirements.
• Awareness of market and industry trends affecting product development and manufacturing.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid working approach with an early finish on Fridays.
• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience.
• Private medical insurance, life assurance, cycle-to-work scheme, and company pension.
• Clear career development pathways and organisational visibility.
• Inclusive and supportive culture focused on safety, innovation, individual contribution, and global operations.

Hiring process

• Apply early because applications may close before the stated deadline due to application volume.