Senior Project Manager

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Are you an experienced Senior Project Manager who thrives in complex engineering or manufacturing environments? Have you led SAP or ERP implementations, working closely with Systems Integrators and third‑party suppliers to deliver business critical change?

Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection technologies, operating in highly engineered, regulated and safety‑critical environments. Our IT PMO plays a key role in delivering transformative digital and enterprise programmes that underpin how we design, manufacture and support world‑leading technology.

As a Senior Project Manager, you’ll lead medium to large IT projects that matter; from enterprise systems and ERP platforms to infrastructure and digital enablement, partnering with the business, IT leaders and external delivery partners to ensure successful outcomes.

The Role

Reporting to a Programme Manager or the Head of Programme Delivery, you’ll take full ownership of end‑to‑end project delivery, operating with a high degree of autonomy while working within a mature PMO framework.

The role will be based from Hemel Hempstead, however, we do operate a flexible hybrid approach. 

Responsibilities include:

• Lead complex IT projects from initiation through to closure, managing scope, schedule, budget, quality and risk
• Deliver projects within engineering or manufacturing contexts, where operational impact, governance and precision matter
• Drive projects that would include SAP / ERP or enterprise system implementations, including vendor led and SI delivered programmes
• Manage and challenge third‑party suppliers and Systems Integrators, ensuring contractual deliverables, milestones and quality are met
• Build credible relationships with senior business and IT stakeholders, facilitating project boards and steering committees
• Develop robust project plans, RAID logs, financial forecasts and dependency maps
• Apply and continuously improve PMO standards, governance and delivery practices
• Coach or support other Project Managers within your programme or workstream

What We’re Looking For

This role is ideal for someone who has built their career delivering technology change within engineering led or manufacturing organisations.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience delivering medium‑to‑large IT or enterprise system projects end‑to‑end
• Hands‑on experience with SAP, ERP or large‑scale enterprise platforms
• Strong background working with Systems Integrators, vendors and third‑party delivery partners
• Confidence managing budgets, forecasts and financial governance
• A structured but pragmatic approach, comfortable across Waterfall, Agile or hybrid delivery models
• Excellent stakeholder management skills — able to influence, challenge and align at senior levels
• A recognised PM qualification (PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ, PMP or equivalent)
• Experience in regulated, complex or global environments is a strong advantage.

Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience. A project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ, PMP, or equivalent) is essential
• Complete understanding and wide application of project management principles, tools, and methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid). Good knowledge of programme governance frameworks and IT delivery environments. Awareness of financial management and resource planning within a project context.
• Proven experience delivering medium-to-large IT or technology projects end-to-end. Strong planning, risk management, and financial tracking skills. Confident communicator and influencer at project level.
• Able to work with limited day-to-day supervision and independently determine approach to new assignments. Proficiency in project tooling (e.g. Smartsheet, MS Project, or equivalent).
• You must be eligible to obtain BPSS clearance as a minimum, we are unable to sponsor for this role

We offer…

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)