Senior Project Manager

Work Model: On-site
Security Clearance: NATO Security Clearance Required

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced IT Project Manager to support the planning, coordination, and delivery of complex IT and Communication and Information Systems (CIS) projects within the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency).

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing projects throughout their lifecycle, ensuring delivery within agreed scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements. The role involves close collaboration with project teams, customers, sponsors, and internal and external stakeholders in an international, multidisciplinary environment.

The ideal candidate will combine strong project management expertise with a solid understanding of IT infrastructure, telecommunications, and C4ISR systems, alongside excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and manage assigned projects in accordance with NATO regulations and NCI Agency project management policies and procedures.
• Develop business cases, including procurement strategies, cost-benefit analyses, risk assessments, project proposals, and Statements of Work (SoW).
• Perform project management, coordination, and quality assurance activities to ensure successful delivery of capabilities and services.
• Analyse client requirements, collect and evaluate relevant data, and identify appropriate solutions to project-related challenges.
• Ensure projects are delivered within agreed scope, time, cost, and quality tolerances.
• Prepare regular and ad hoc project progress reports for management and relevant stakeholders.
• Identify, plan, and allocate resources to meet project milestones, initiating corrective actions where necessary.
• Define, monitor, and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), addressing performance deviations and implementing corrective measures.
• Proactively manage project risks and issues, maintain accurate risk and issue registers, and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Monitor project cash flow and contribute to financial planning, forecasting, and reporting.
• Support annual and multi-year business planning through accurate project planning and financial forecasting.
• Lead and coordinate project teams, including direct supervision and matrix-based team management.
• Chair project meetings and conferences involving team members, customers, sponsors, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain realistic project plans and ensure consistent, accurate, and timely stakeholder communication.
• Review and maintain project documentation and artefacts to ensure accuracy, quality, completeness, and compliance with applicable standards.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from a nationally recognised or certified university in a relevant discipline, combined with at least three years of post-related professional experience.
• Alternatively, candidates without a university degree may be considered if they demonstrate at least 10 years of extensive and progressive relevant professional experience, in accordance with the applicable NCI Agency requirements.
• A recognised project management qualification, such as PRINCE2 Practitioner or Project Management Professional (PMP), is required or may be substituted by demonstrated relevant expertise and experience, where permitted.
• At least three years of recent, substantial project management experience within a large-scale IT organisation.
• Experience in the planning, design, systems engineering, and implementation of communications aspects of C4ISR systems.
• Knowledge of modern technologies relevant to Deployable Communication and Information Systems (CIS), network design, and switched multimedia networks.
• Familiarity with applicable international, commercial, and industry standards.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, using tact and diplomacy.
• Strong presentation, briefing, reporting, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent organisational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, complex project dependencies, resources, budgets, and deadlines.

Desirable Experience & Certifications

• Proven experience managing or leading project teams in C4ISR acquisition projects.
• ITIL Foundation certification.
• An engineering background and experience in technical leadership.
• Experience with project management and workflow automation tools, particularly ServiceNow (SNOW).
• Familiarity with collaboration platforms and project management tools.