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Senior Project Manager - Defence

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About The Role
Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Project Manager with a background in the Defence sector for their operations in Portsmouth. This critical role involves leading complex, high-stakes projects from initiation through to successful delivery, ensuring alignment with stringent security and operational requirements. You will manage cross-functional teams, engage with high-level stakeholders, and ensure rigorous adherence to project management protocols and compliance standards. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to vital national security projects within a respected organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the full lifecycle of complex defence projects, ensuring successful delivery against scope, time, cost, and quality objectives.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
- Ensure strict compliance with all relevant defence sector regulations, security protocols, and contractual obligations.
- Manage and mentor project teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies and prime contractors, providing regular progress updates and issue resolution.
- Proactively identify and mitigate project risks and issues, implementing robust contingency plans.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Requirements
- Extensive experience as a Project Manager within the Defence or related high-security industry.
- Demonstrated success in managing large, complex projects with significant budgetary and resource responsibilities.
- Strong understanding of defence procurement processes and project management frameworks.
- Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearances.
- PMP or PRINCE2 certification is highly desirable.


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Benefits
- A highly competitive salary package with attractive bonus potential.
- Comprehensive private healthcare, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous pension scheme and life assurance cover.
- Opportunities for specialized training and professional development in the defence sector.
- Supportive work environment with opportunities for career progression.
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