Senior Project Manager

Due to continued growth and winning a number of projects we are delighted to announce we are recruiting for a Senior Project Manager to join our ever-growing team here at Rugby. Reporting to the UK Defence Portfolio Leader, the role will be primarily responsible for managing a factory expansion and manufacturing readiness Project, ensuring deliverables are achieved in line with business objectives. You will be responsible for project delivery, profit & loss accountability, and customer satisfaction through management of project related activities and resourcesAs the primary interface to both internal and external customers you will lead cross-functional teams to execute the project to the plan, within budget and in line with EHS and quality requirements. Using high level of judgment to make decisions and handle complex tasks or problems in areas of operational, product management, manufacturing, technology or engineering you will be offering solutions out side of set parameters or offer recommendations.This work is undertaken with UK Defence customers which will require any individual applying for the role to hold or be capable of getting SC Level clearance. Applicants not cleared will not be accepted into the business until this clearance is provided. Dual passport holders are acceptable if the second country is approved by the vetting authority.Senior Project Manager - Factory Expansion & Manufacturing ReadinessLocation: Rugby, UKReporting to: UK Defence Portfolio LeaderKey Interfaces: Factory Director, Site Leadership Team, Infrastructure Senior Project Manager, Project Control, Engineering, Procurement, Supply Chain, Construction & Commissioning TeamsRole OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of a major machine shop / factory extension programme, acting as the overall Project Management lead.This role is accountable for the full lifecycle delivery of the facility, from early definition through construction coordination, equipment specification and procurement, installation, commissioning, and final readiness for manufacturing operations.The successful candidate will act as the primary customer-facing representative, ensuring alignment with key stakeholders, including UK Defence customers, while working in close partnership with the Infrastructure Senior Project Manager, who will lead building and civil works.This role is critical in ensuring the facility is delivered on time, fully operational, production-ready, and aligned with business objectives.Key Responsibilities1. Overall Project Leadership & DeliveryOwn full project lifecycle delivery of the factory extension and machine shop capabilityLead the integrated project plan covering:Equipment definition and procurementFactory fit-out and layoutInstallation and commissioningManufacturing readiness and ramp-upEnsure delivery on time, within budget, and in line with safety, quality, and performance targets2. Customer & Stakeholder ManagementAct as the primary interface with end customers, including UK Defence stakeholdersLead all customer communications, governance, and reportingEnsure close alignment with customer on contractual flow downs, change control, cost management, reporting and funding approvals.Build strong relationships with:Portfolio leadershipFactory Director and site teamsProgramme and executive stakeholdersPrepare and lead steering committees and project reviews3. Integration with Infrastructure DeliveryWork in close partnership with the Infrastructure Senior Project Manager, Consultants and Building ContractorEnsure full alignment between:Building readinessUtilities and servicesEquipment installation requirementsManage dependencies between construction and manufacturing system installation4. Equipment & Factory Fit-OutWorking closely with the factory leadership and production team;Lead definition, specification, and procurement of machine tooling and production equipment, to ensure production requirements are fully metFinalise factory layout, process flows, and production capability requirementsCoordinate suppliers, sourcing, and installation planningEnsure readiness of:ToolingFixturesProduction systems5. Commissioning & Manufacturing ReadinessLead commissioning strategy and execution in coordination with technical teamsEnsure facility achieves:Operational readinessSafety certificationProduction capability validationSupport initial production ramp-up and issue resolution6. Financial & Commercial AccountabilityOwn project P&L, cost control, revenue forecasting, and cash flowEnsure full compliance with UK Government Single Source Contracting Regulations, monthly cost reporting and evidence, and claim supportDrive financial discipline through:Budget managementCost optimisation initiativesSupplier and contract managementIdentify and deliver cost-out and value opportunities7. Risk & Opportunity ManagementLead project-wide risk & opportunity (R&O) management processDevelop, maintain, and communicate R&O registersDefine and execute mitigation strategies across all workstreamsEscalate critical risks and propose solutions proactively8. Project Governance, Planning & PMO PracticesEstablish and lead robust project governance, reporting, and KPIsImplement best-in-class project management practices (PMO mindset):Milestone trackingVisual managementPerformance dashboardsDrive structured reporting internally and to customers9. Cross-functional Team LeadershipLead a multidisciplinary project team across:ManufacturingProcurementEngineeringConstruction & commissioningQuality, finance, and planningEnsure alignment, accountability, and high performancePromote a strong safety culture and continuous improvement mindset10. Continuous Improvement & Lessons LearnedImplement continuous improvement processesCapture lessons learned and integrate into execution strategyDrive operational excellence and process optimisationQualifications & ExperienceExtensive experience as a Senior Project Manager delivering complex industrial or manufacturing projectsProven track record in:Factory build / expansion / industrialisation projectsEquipment installation and commissioningStrong understanding of:Engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and construction lifecyclesDemonstrated experience in customer-facing leadership rolesExperience managing large budgets, contracts, and commercial performanceKnowledge of:Manufacturing processes and industrial environmentsLean, continuous improvement, and operational excellenceExperience in defence or regulated industries preferred (SC clearance required or eligible)Key Skills & CompetenciesStrong leadership and stakeholder management capabilityExcellent communication skills at executive and operational levelsStrategic mindset with strong delivery focusHigh level of financial and commercial acumenAbility to manage complexity, ambiguity, and multiple interfacesProblem-solving mindset with structured decision-makingExperience leading large cross-functional teams in complex environmentsSuccess MeasuresFacility delivered on time, on budget, and fully operationalSuccessful commissioning and manufacturing readiness achievedStrong customer satisfaction and stakeholder alignmentEffective integration between infrastructure and production systemsDelivery of financial targets and project performance metricsJoin us and work with global teams to support global customers ! At Arabelle Solutions, we have team members of more than 49 nationalities spread across 16 countries.At Arabelle Solutions, we know diversity makes teams and business stronger.