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Project Manager (UK Defence) – Boscombe Down
Package: Competitive Salary + Benefits Role ID: SF20126
About the Role
Are you ready to shape the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just envisioning tomorrow—we’re creating it. From revolutionary defence technology to ground-breaking innovations, our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join our team as a Project Manager at our Boscombe Down site, where you’ll work with cutting-edge technology and some of the most talented minds in the field.
As a Project Manager in our UK Defence function, you’ll spearhead the development, procurement, and integration of systems onto test and evaluation ranges. This will include:
- Deployment and delivery of trials, training, and operational exercises
- Support for client platforms and weapon systems, ensuring they meet operational requirements
- Provision of test, exercise, modelling, analysis services, and lab facilities in safe, realistic, and instrumented environments
Your responsibilities will include:
- Developing clear and compelling customer proposals
- Delivering projects safely, on time, and within budget
- Maintaining robust project plans, PPM (Project Planning & Monitoring) tools, and resource/cost schedules to manage projects and forecast spend
- Providing regular, transparent project reporting using corporate tools and complying with financial requirements
Responsibilities
Key areas of focus:
-
Planning and Execution:
- Develop detailed project timelines and resource allocations
- Oversee procurement, tendering, and contract negotiation processes
-
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners (e.g., MoD, academia, or industry)
- Ensure alignments with customer expectations and Defence criteria
-
Technical Oversight:
- Facilitate systems engineering to integrate new technologies
- Lead safely instrumented trials and operational testing
-
Performance Management:
- Track project KPIs, risk management, and adherence to financial protocols
- Share progress updates through corporate governance frameworks
Essential Experience
For this fast-paced environment, we need a motivated professional with:
- Proven track record in delivering defence, aerospace, or complex engineering projects – meeting time, cost, and quality goals
- Expertise in decomposing complex challenges into structured, actionable plans
- First-hand procurement and tendering experience, including:
- Drafting specifications, procurement plans, and supplier selection criteria
- Contract lifecycle management and negotiation agility
- Knowledge of systems engineering methodology and its application in mission-critical environments
- Experience managing high-stakes technical projects, often requiring SC/IS clearance level collaboration
- Demonstrable ability to integrate diverse stakeholders (technical, financial, regulatory) while maintaining alignment
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Essential Qualifications
- Industry-recognised certification in project management, such as:
- PRINCE2 (Foundation/Professional)
- Agile Motorways Planning (AMP) or similar methodologies
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
- While qualifications are important, hands-on experience will take precedence.
About You
We value individuality, diversity, and unique perspectives. QinetiQ thrives where creativity solves challenges effectively—we don’t presume experience or education, we measure your proven can-do attitude and willingness to operate at the sharp end. If those describe you, we’d love to hear from you.
Working Arrangements
- Contract Type: Full-time (37 hours per week), with flexibility expectations
- Location: Base at Boscombe Down (MOD site), with mandatory minimum site attendance of three days/week
- Travel Requirements:
- Regular visits to test ranges, including Aberporth, West Freugh, and Hebrides
- Some trips may require early starts, long hours, or weekend availability—depending on project deadlines
Key Location: Boscombe Down
Boscombe Down is home to the UK's longest military runway and a cornerstone of aviation and aerospace defence testing. Within QinetiQ’s management, the site is crucial for:
- Trialling and certifying military aircraft
- Research and development of advanced cockpits, simulation systems, and atmospheric corrections
- Supporting airworthiness standards for both UK Ministry of Defence and international clients
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Note for Applicants: Security clearance is non-negotiable—this role requires at least SC (Security Clearance) Eligibility. See the UKSV National Security Vetting guidance for further details.
Applying and Our Recruitment Process
At QinetiQ, inclusivity is non-negotiable. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing:
- Disability confidence—reasonable adjustments made available throughout the hiring process
- Vetting equivalencies—offering referral to QinetiQ vetting teams for holders of existing SC/IS clearances
To share your suitability: ➤ Email your CV and application to `[no direct email was provided; use QinetiQ’s career portal]*
Why Join QinetiQ?
We’re proud to combine global scale with bold innovation—opportunities are available in emerging markets and dynamic sectors.
What sets us apart?
✔ Authentic and collaborative work culture – Cross-disciplinary brains solve world-class challenges. ✔ Transparency – Clear perspectives on growth, values, and vision. ✔ Impact – Your work helps protect people, nations, and critical systems daily.
Life at QinetiQ is a journey of discovery, blending technical rigour, ethical conduct, and leadership. To explore our diverse, inviting workplace culture, visit us at www.qinetiq.com.
Benefits
Here’s a snapshot of recompense and wellbeing support:
- Pension scheme: Employer-matching contributions including life assurance
- Holiday entitlement: Generous 35 days bands, with the opportunity to buy additional leave
- Health facilities:
- Access to Health Cash Plan subscriptions
- Private Medical Insurance/makers
- Discounted dental plans
- Employee perks:
- Discounts on insurance, travel options, restaurants, and entertainment
- Community impact:
- Honours the Armed Forces Covenant
- Holds the Gold Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
- Encourages volunteering-for-good programmes, supporting charities and the local ecosystem
🔍 Curious about opportunities at a leading innovator? Explore more Defence & Security roles. #UKD
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