Project Manager Defence

Project Manager – Defence 

12–24 Month Fixed-Term Contract or £350–£450/day Inside IR35
Location: UK – hybrid / site-based as required
Security Clearance: SC preferred / eligibility to obtain SC likely required

Match Performance is supporting a major defence organisation with the appointment of experienced Project Managers to support complex delivery programmes across the MOD environment.

We are looking for individuals who can operate effectively within a structured, highly regulated and stakeholder-heavy environment, with responsibility for delivering defined project outcomes across cost, schedule, risk, quality and governance.

This is an opportunity to work on significant defence programmes where delivery discipline, commercial awareness and stakeholder management are as important as technical understanding.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of projects from initiation through to completion.
• Manage scope, schedule, cost, quality, risks, issues and dependencies.
• Maintain robust project plans, RAID logs and governance documentation.
• Provide clear reporting to senior stakeholders and programme leadership.
• Coordinate internal teams, suppliers, contractors and wider delivery partners.
• Monitor performance against agreed milestones and intervene where delivery is at risk.
• Support commercial, procurement and supplier-management activity where required.
• Ensure compliance with relevant governance, assurance and reporting requirements.
• Manage project change and maintain control of baselines.
• Support benefits realisation and effective transition into operational delivery.
• Build strong relationships across engineering, commercial, finance, operations and programme functions.
• Escalate risks and issues appropriately and maintain clear decision-making records.

Experience required

We are interested in Project Managers with experience in one or more of the following environments:

• Defence / MOD 
• Aerospace
• Engineering
• Nuclear
• Infrastructure
• Complex manufacturing
• Technology-enabled programmes
• Highly regulated public-sector environments

You should be able to demonstrate:

• Strong project-management experience across complex delivery environments.
• Experience managing multiple stakeholders and delivery partners.
• Good understanding of project controls, planning, risk and governance.
• Ability to work within structured assurance and reporting frameworks.
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Confidence operating with ambiguity and changing priorities.
• Commercial awareness and experience working with suppliers.
• Ability to challenge constructively and maintain delivery focus.

Contract options

Option 1 – Fixed Term
12–24 months, salary dependent on experience and level.

Option 2 – Day Rate
£350–£450/day Inside IR35, depending on experience, clearance and assignment.

The type of person we’re looking for

This role would suit someone who is comfortable operating in a complex, structured and delivery-focused environment.

You do not need to be the technical expert, but you do need to be able to coordinate technical, commercial and operational stakeholders and maintain control of delivery.

Interested?

Please contact Match Performance for a confidential discussion.