Junior Project Manager

About BAE Systems

Join BAE Systems and be part of a global team dedicated to pioneering progress and protecting what matters most. As a valued member, you'll contribute your unique skills to delivering advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace, and security solutions, shaping a safer future.

About the Role

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence produces advanced electronic and electromechanical products crucial for the safety, security, and resilience of the UK and its allies. These products serve cyber security, intelligence, and national security domains, delivered through a rigorous manufacturing framework.

We are seeking a Junior Project Manager to join our Manufacturing Engineering team in Guildford. This is an ideal early-career role for someone looking to build a career in project management, manufacturing operations, or engineering delivery. The role is suitable for internal project management professionals seeking a new assignment, engineers transitioning to project delivery, graduates, or external junior project managers looking to grow in a complex technical environment.

We are looking for an organised, reliable, motivated individual with a willingness to learn. You will be provided with mentoring, on-the-job training, and exposure to experienced professionals across engineering, manufacturing, and project management.

Key Responsibilities

You will help manage the end-to-end delivery of first-off and repeat production builds for complex electronic products, typically high-mix, low-volume projects with significant revenue and critical deadlines. Your responsibilities will include:

• Planning, coordinating, and tracking production builds from order placement to customer delivery.
• Managing a portfolio of low to medium volume production projects.
• Maintaining project plans, actions, risks, issues, dependencies, and schedules.
• Monitoring delivery performance against schedule, cost, and quality expectations.
• Reporting project status clearly, including progress, risks, blockers, financial position, and delivery confidence.
• Presenting in regular project and monthly reporting forums.
• Working with technical authorities, engineers, and manufacturing teams to resolve build issues.
• Tracking material availability, stock holdings, component lead times, and supply chain constraints.
• Supporting the transition of new products into production.
• Identifying opportunities for improvement in cost, quality, lead time, delivery performance, and ways of working.
• Escalating issues constructively when support or decisions are needed.

What Success Looks Like

A successful individual in this role will:

• Clearly understand and articulate the current status of their projects.
• Communicate risks, issues, and decisions proactively.
• Build trust with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and quality.
• Bring structure, energy, and follow-through to complex delivery activities.
• Demonstrate a capacity for quick learning and consistent application of knowledge.
• Contribute to the improvement of team planning, communication, and delivery processes.

Essential Requirements

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Strong communication skills, with confidence to speak up and present status clearly in various meeting settings and to senior stakeholders.
• Good organisation, attention to detail, and a strong sense of follow-through.
• Reliability, ownership, and a practical problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and manage competing priorities.
• A genuine willingness to learn project management, manufacturing, and engineering processes.
• A calm and professional approach when dealing with ambiguity or pressure.

Why BAE Systems?

Build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. We offer lifelong learning, meaningful work, and opportunities for growth. You'll be recognised for your contributions and enjoy rewards tailored to your needs, supporting your financial and personal wellbeing, and promoting a balanced lifestyle. Join a supportive culture with a strong sense of shared purpose, embracing sustainable ways of working.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to our success. We welcome applications from all candidates and provide full, fair, and open consideration. Please contact our recruitment team if you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

Security and Location

Many roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. These may impact eligibility based on nationality, previous nationalities held, and place of birth. All applicants must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Many roles require higher levels of National Security Vetting, typically requiring 5-10 years of continuous residency in the UK.

This role is based in Guildford, UK, with an onsite working requirement.

Hybrid Working

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence embraces Hybrid Working, allowing for increased flexibility in when and where work is done, balancing work and personal life more effectively. Technology enables collaboration even when working remotely.