Project Manager

Dorchester, England, United Kingdom — TKMS ATLAS UK

Type of contract:Full-time, Permanent
Experience level:Professionals
Remote work:Not possible
Job field:Project Management
Status:Ongoing recruitment, entry date flexible
Posting date:2026/09/01
Job number:39738
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Project Manager (Defence)
Dorset | Permanent Position | Hybrid Working Available

Morson Edge is proud to be partnering with a leading UK defence engineering and technology organisation as they continue to expand their Project Management capability.

Due to sustained growth and a strong pipeline of programmes, our client is looking to appoint an additional Project Manager to join an established team of four Project Managers. This role offers the opportunity to work on highly innovative engineering and R&D programmes supporting cutting-edge defence technologies.

We’re looking to speak with experienced Project Managers who have a proven track record of successfully delivering technical projects from concept through to design, development, testing and final delivery. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a highly collaborative environment and wants to play a key role in the delivery of complex engineering solutions.

The Opportunity

Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, you will be responsible for managing a range of research, development and product-focused projects. Typical project values range from approximately £100,000 through to several million pounds, making this an ideal opportunity for a Project Manager who has successfully delivered small to medium-sized technical programmes rather than large-scale infrastructure projects worth tens of millions.

Project lifecycles typically range from 6 months through to 3 years and cover the full development process, from early-stage concept and design activities through to build, testing, acceptance and customer delivery.

Alongside project delivery, you will also play an active role in bid and proposal activities, supporting the development of project plans, schedules, costings, risk assessments and customer proposals.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage the full lifecycle delivery of engineering and R&D projects from concept through to final acceptance.
  • Lead multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to customer expectations.
  • Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, work breakdown structures and delivery milestones.
  • Manage project risks, opportunities, dependencies and change control processes.
  • Work closely with engineering teams, suppliers, customers and key stakeholders throughout project execution.
  • Support bidding and business development activities by contributing to project planning, cost estimation, resource forecasting and risk management.
  • Manage contractual deliverables and ensure compliance with customer requirements.
  • Provide regular reporting to senior leadership, customers and project stakeholders.
  • Coordinate subcontractors and external partners where required.
  • Drive continuous improvement and best practice across project delivery activities.

What We’re Looking For

  • Proven experience delivering engineering, technical or R&D-focused projects.
  • Background within Defence, Aerospace, Maritime, Engineering or another highly regulated technical environment.
  • Experience managing projects involving the design, development and build of products or systems.
  • Strong understanding of project management methodologies and project lifecycle management.
  • Experience supporting bids, tenders, proposals and contract delivery activities.
  • Commercial awareness with an understanding of contractual obligations and project governance.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
  • Ability to lead project teams while maintaining a collaborative and team-focused approach.
  • Demonstrable track record of successful project delivery within small to medium-sized programmes.

Desirable Experience

  • Degree qualified in Engineering, STEM or a related discipline.
  • Professional Project Management qualifications or membership of recognised bodies such as APM.
  • Experience working with Government, Defence or Military customers.
  • Security-cleared or eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC) or DV.

Important to us

Health and Wellness

Safety & Health

The health of our employees is our top priority. We set standards for safe working conditions.

The health of our employees is our top priority. We set standards for safe working conditions.

Compensation and Salary

Fair compensation & retirement provision

We offer fair salaries and support retirement savings to value our employees in the long term.

We offer fair salaries and support retirement savings to value our employees in the long term.

Diversity and Inclusion

Collegiality & Diversity

We promote a strong team spirit and an open culture where diversity is welcome.

We promote a strong team spirit and an open culture where diversity is welcome.

Professional Development

Development & Growth

We invest in the training of our employees so that they can develop professionally and personally.

We invest in the training of our employees so that they can develop professionally and personally.

Work-Life Balance

Flexibility & Work-Life Balance

We enable flexible work models so that our employees can balance work and private life well.

We enable flexible work models so that our employees can balance work and private life well.

Creative and Innovation

Creative freedom & culture of mistakes

An environment that encourages initiative and views mistakes as learning opportunities is innovative and motivating.

An environment that encourages initiative and views mistakes as learning opportunities is innovative and motivating.

Sustainability and Environment

Sustainability

We act responsibly and are committed to a sustainable future.

We act responsibly and are committed to a sustainable future.

Onboarding and Training

Individual Onboarding

An individualized onboarding ensures a successful start and quick integration of new colleagues.

An individualized onboarding ensures a successful start and quick integration of new colleagues.

We value diversity

We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, and identity.

Company

With a reputation for providing innovative underwater systems for the Royal Navy (RN) and export customers, TKMS ATLAS UK operates from our Headquarters on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Through science, engineering and R&D we convert data into information, knowledge and capabilities that challenge the status quo, and offer winning advantage at the frontline. Our people are at the heart of our success. An open and stimulating workspace empowers and encourages our people to be creative and act with integrity. Despite our continued growth, TKMS ATLAS UK prides itself on retaining a friendly and welcoming culture. As well as boasting a substantial benefits package, we offer progression and personal development opportunities, competitive remuneration, flexible working and a generous pension scheme. The continuous investment in our unique in-house test and integration facilities has supported TKMS ATLAS UK’s growth in supplying UK and global markets with submarine and ship systems. This includes sonar, autonomous systems, marine electric actuation and mine counter-measures. Our Portland Harbour waterside facilities provide an excellent environment to test systems at sea. As a leading innovative maritime systems company, TKMS ATLAS UK operates throughout all phases of the acquisition and engineering lifecycles, from concept to In-service Support.

From receiving your documents to acceptance: the application process

Step 1

Submit application

Have you found your dream job? Then apply directly online through our job portal. You will receive an immediate confirmation of receipt – also check your spam folder.

Step 2

Review of your documents

Our recruiting team carefully reviews your application. Please give us some time – you will definitely receive feedback.

Step 3

Selection process

You have convinced us? Then we invite you to an aptitude test or a comparable selection procedure. Show us what you are capable of – we are looking forward to seeing you.

Step 4

Assessment test (depending on profession)

For some vocational training occupations and dual study programs, an additional test is required. You will be informed in good time and receive all the information you need.

Step 5

Personal conversation

If everything goes well, we will invite you to a job interview. Here we will get to know each other better – and you will learn everything about your possible entry at TKMS.

Notes on application

In no time, you have submitted your online application to TKMS. As long as the job advertisement is posted on our career page, you can apply.

We conduct the interviews online or on-site. You will receive detailed information during the application process.

For more information about TKMS, our products, and locations, you can find it directly on our company website.

We wish you good luck with your application!

We build strength

Together we are working on Europe's defense capabilities and making the world's oceans safer.

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