Project Manager – Major Defence New Build Project

Location: Bristol
Sector: Construction | Defence | New Build
Employment Type: Full Time | Permanent

Lead the delivery of a landmark defence project

An established UK construction and engineering contractor is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join its team on one of the South West's most significant defence sector construction programmes. Our client has a long-established reputation for delivering complex, high-quality projects across the defence, healthcare, commercial, education, industrial and infrastructure sectors. Privately owned, the business is built on strong values, collaborative working and long-term partnerships with clients and supply chain partners. Known for delivering technically challenging schemes in highly regulated environments, the company combines engineering expertise with a commitment to safety, sustainability and quality. Employees benefit from genuine career development opportunities, a supportive culture and the chance to contribute to nationally significant projects that leave a lasting legacy.

Based in Bristol, you will play a key role in delivering a complex, high-value new build project within a secure defence environment. This is an outstanding opportunity to manage a technically challenging scheme while working alongside experienced professionals committed to excellence, safety and collaboration.

The Role

Reporting to the Project Director, you will be responsible for the successful planning, coordination and delivery of the project, ensuring it is completed safely, on programme, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of a major new build construction project from pre-construction through to completion and handover.
• Manage the planning, coordination and integration of building services alongside structural and architectural works.
• Ensure the project is delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with programme, budget and quality objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the client, consultants, subcontractors and wider project team.
• Oversee subcontractor performance, ensuring works are delivered to the required standards.
• Work closely with commercial and planning teams to monitor progress, manage risk and identify opportunities.
• Chair project meetings and provide regular progress updates to senior management and the client.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, project procedures and security protocols.
• Promote a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on continuous improvement.

About You

You will be an experienced Project Manager with a successful track record of delivering complex construction projects for a principal contractor.

We're particularly interested in candidates who bring experience in the management of complex mechanical and electrical packages. Equally, we welcome applications from Project Managers with a strong general construction background who have delivered major new build schemes and are keen to work on a prestigious defence project.

You will ideally have:

• Experience delivering major construction projects, preferably valued in excess of £50m.
• Mechanical & electrically-biased project experience (highly desirable but not essential) whilst also having excellent all-round construction knowledge.
• Experience within defence, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, data centres or other technically complex environments would be advantageous.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and programme management capability.
• A proactive approach to problem solving, risk management and decision making.

Essential Qualifications

• Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Construction Management, Building Services, Engineering or a related discipline.
• SMSTS.
• CSCS Manager Card.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• M&E management experience.
• NEC contract knowledge.
• Previous experience working within secure or highly regulated environments.
• Existing security clearance or the ability to obtain the appropriate level of clearance.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• The opportunity to lead a flagship defence construction project in Bristol.
• Long-term career progression with a leading UK contractor.
• Ongoing investment in training and professional development.
• A collaborative, supportive working environment delivering projects of national importance.

Apply

If you're an experienced Project Manager looking to take the next step in your career and contribute to the successful delivery of a major defence scheme, we'd love to hear from you.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be eligible to satisfy the security requirements associated with working on a defence project.

O’Neill and Brennan values diversity and promotes equality, All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation