Senior Project Manager
Westhill, Aberdeen
Permanent, Hybrid
Please note that this role requires security checks.
The Role:
The Senior Project Manager will lead complex projects through the full NPD (New Product Design) lifecycle, ensuring delivery in line with the JFS Project Delivery Process while guiding multidisciplinary teams to successful outcomes. You will apply strong governance, financial control, stakeholder engagement, and risk management to drive projects of high complexity. As Senior Project Manager, you will lead a global cross‑functional team to deliver on time, on budget, and to the full satisfaction of customers and internal stakeholders.
Based in Aberdeen with a hybrid working approach, the role will include national and international travel on an ad-hoc basis JFD’s.
Candidates should hold, or be able to obtain, SC‑level security clearance and ideally bring an awareness of maritime and defence standards, including international quality and safety requirements. A recognised Project Management qualification from a reputable association is essential.
What you’ll be doing:
- Manage and deliver projects independently across the full lifecycle, following JFS governance and reporting requirements.
- Provide confident leadership to multidisciplinary teams, driving the delivery of complex or high‑value projects.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
- Stay proactive in identifying risks and opportunities, putting plans in place to protect or enhance project outcomes.
- Manage project budgets, forecasts, and cashflow, ensuring invoicing and payments are completed on time and in line with contract terms.
- Forecast resource needs and allocate teams effectively to keep projects running smoothly.
- Oversee contractual obligations, review contract terms, and highlight any operational risks early.
- Carry out risk and opportunity assessments, implementing contingency plans and benefits‑realisation actions where needed.
- Manage the change control process, including reviewing and assessing scope changes.
- Capture lessons learned and use them to support continuous improvement across future projects.
What we’re looking for:
- Adaptable leader with a strong track record of delivering on commitments and building long‑lasting internal and external relationships.
- Confident working and communicating with SLT.
- Clear, influential communicator with a solid commitment to safety leadership.
- Experienced in taking NPD projects from concept through gated processes to successful market launch.
- Strong mechanical engineering and manufacturing background, with a focus on robust design, efficient production, and Design for Manufacture.
- Proven ability to identify and reduce technical and manufacturing risks across the full product lifecycle.
- Skilled at aligning cross‑functional teams to ensure design intent matches production capability and business objectives.
- Confident in developing and managing project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resources.
- Maintains awareness of market and industry trends that impact product development and manufacturing.
- Project Management Qualification, APM, Prince2.
Why join us?
- Early finish on Fridays
- Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
- Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility
- Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
- Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations
About Us:
James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.
Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc
For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc
James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting-edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry. Explore more about JFD
If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!
Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.
