Contract Project Manager

Fortress Recruit is now looking for a Contract Project Manager, Outside IR35 for a 6-month period on behalf of a well-established Defence manufacturing business based in Poole.

This is a key delivery role responsible for leading complex, new-development projects within a highly regulated environment. You’ll take ownership of the full project lifecycle - from late development stages through qualification and into production - ensuring delivery to fixed deadlines. This is not a traditional, process-only PM role; it requires a hands‑on, dynamic individual who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-driven setting.

Key responsibilities

• Leading the planning, execution and closure of assigned projects as part of a specific project of works.
• Taking full ownership of scope, change management and change control in response to evolving customer requirements
• Managing strict, non-negotiable delivery deadlines and driving rapid response to emerging issues
• Acting as the primary customer contact, managing expectations and maintaining strong working relationships
• Planning, monitoring and controlling project costs, including revenue and cost forecasting
• Preparing regular budget, schedule and milestone reports for internal and external stakeholders

To be considered for this role, you'll have:

• 5+ years’ project management experience within a technical or engineering defence environment
• Experience delivering complex new product development or bespoke manufacturing projects through the full design lifecycle
• Strong capability in change management and configuration control
• Commercial awareness and confidence managing customer-facing delivery
• A driven, autonomous approach with strong analytical skills and an inquisitive mindset
• Comfortable making informed decisions in a fast-moving environment and taking full ownership of outcomes
• APM PMQ or PRINCE2 Practitioner
• Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience

This is a contract role, Outside IR35 for 6 months, based in Poole. Eligibility for SC Clearance is essential (5 years' UK residency without visa or sponsorship requirement).

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