Principal Project Manager (Framework / Client Lead)

This role acts as the single point of leadership and representation for Assystem within a joint venture, delivering work on a major Defence Infrastructure framework.

The successful candidate will operate as a framework and client-facing lead, responsible for:

• Building and maintaining strong, trusted client relationships
• Representing Assystem’s interests and ensuring visibility within the joint venture
• Enabling successful delivery across multiple workstreams rather than managing individual projects
• Drumbeat framework operations which support the current success and future growth of the framework

The role requires someone comfortable operating at a strategic and influencing level, working across organisational boundaries and without direct control of all delivery resources.

The role reports to the Defence Business Manager, who holds responsibility for delivering the budget and performance targets for the account.

This role will be based out of our Assystem Glasgow office with travel to client sites (Clyde) and partner offices as required.

Responsibilities

Client & Framework Leadership

• Act as a senior client interface, building long-term, trusted relationships with key stakeholders
• Represent Assystem within the joint venture, ensuring alignment with our strategic objectives, standards and ways of working
• Understand client priorities and proactively shape delivery approaches and solutions to meet evolving needs
• Support the identification and development of future opportunities within the framework

Joint Venture Collaboration & Representation

• Act as Assystem’s focal point within the JV environment, working closely with partner organisations
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing delivery culture across all parties
• Navigate multi-partner dynamics, influencing decisions and ensuring effective alignment
• Represent Assystem in relevant governance, operational and leadership forums

Framework Oversight & Delivery Enablement

• Provide oversight across multiple projects/workstreams, ensuring alignment to framework objectives
• Act as a senior escalation point for delivery, client or partner issues
• Ensure effective mobilisation of teams and integration of in-house capability and supply chain
• Drive continuous improvement and consistency across delivery activities

Commercial & Account Performance

• Contribute to delivery of account turnover and margin in collaboration with the Business Manager
• Maintain visibility of framework performance, risks and opportunities
• Support commercial positioning and protect Assystem’s interests within the JV
• Provide regular reporting to internal stakeholders

Resource & Capability Coordination

• Maintain a reliable forward view of demand, supporting resource planning and capability development
• Act as a key interface for recruitment and onboarding of technical resources into the framework

Opportunity Development & Bidding

• Act as the early owner of new opportunities, shaping them through to Bid / No Bid decision
• Collaborate with the sales team to develop client-focused value propositions
• Support the transition of opportunities into formal bid processes
• Contribute to Key Account Plans and strategic growth initiatives

Internal Leadership & Collaboration

• Act as the internal point of contact for support across bids, projects and capability
• Support wider Assystem initiatives, sharing best practice and lessons learned
• Promote employee engagement through clear communication of direction and priorities
• Line management responsibilities as required

Qualifications

Essential Experience, Skills, Qualifications & Attributes

• Professionally recognised engineering or technical degree
• Strong understanding of the UK Defence Infrastructure sector and supply chain
• Demonstrable experience in client-facing, framework or programme environments
• Experience working within joint ventures, alliances or collaborative delivery models
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability
• Commercial awareness and understanding of framework delivery models
• Ability to influence without direct authority across organisational boundaries
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
• Broad understanding of engineering, delivery and procurement processes
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and operate in complex environments

Desirable

• Experience in large-scale defence frameworks or long-term programmes
• Background spanning both delivery and client-facing roles
• Experience in engineering consultancy environments

Why join the community of Switchers?:

🔹 The Group is currently ranked Third in the world for nuclear engineering.

🔹A dynamic career management policy to enable our employees to progress through our five business lines: operations, project, technical, sales and support functions

🔹Provide opportunities to work on exciting, global projects

🔹Access to an employee assistance programme with free mindfulness, health, wellbeing resources and a confidential support line available 24/7 via phone or text

🔹Discount vouchers for days out and restaurants, eye test and glasses vouchers, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs

At Assystem, we celebrate diversity and creativity. We believe in harnessing unique perspectives to shape innovative solutions. Your skills and daring spirit are what truly matter. Join us and help shape the future! 🌟

Location: Glasgow (Hybrid attendance in our Glasgow office weekly)

• Travel: Required to client site (Clyde) and partner offices
• Security Clearance: SC – Sole UK National

NOTICE TO CANDIDATES ON RECRUITMENT FRAUD - We are committed to safeguarding candidates from fraudulent activity associated with our recruitment process. Please note that we will never offer specialist CV writing services, request payment or ask for sensitive personal information during the recruitment process.

We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter !. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.