Industrial Placement Project Manager

Salary: £25,000
Programme start date: September 2027
Citizenship required: UK citizenship required
Security clearance: Security Check (SC)
Travel required: Approximately 10%
Location: Cheltenham
Working arrangement: Flexible working options subject to the role and programme needs
Hours: Full-time
Requisition ID: R10251091

What’s your possible?

At Northrop Grumman UK, you’ll be part of a team driving innovation where it matters most, solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. We call it Defining Possible. This mindset goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.

This is more than just a job. It’s a mission.

Ready to gain practical project management experience by contributing to technology programmes with national significance?

As an Industrial Placement Project Manager within our Cyber & Intelligence business, you will support the delivery of challenging technology projects for customers with complex and sensitive data requirements. Your work will contribute to digital transformation programmes that use modern software engineering practices to deliver meaningful outcomes.

Working directly with experienced project managers, you will become a key member of the project team and gain insight into the processes, tools and professional relationships that support successful delivery. From scheduling and cost management to project governance and stakeholder communications, you will build practical experience while contributing to real project assignments.

This is an opportunity to apply your academic learning, develop valuable project management skills and contribute to real-world challenges in defence and technology.

Our Industrial Placement Programme

Our structured 12-month Industrial Placement Programme is designed to help you develop the practical skills needed to build a successful career in defence and technology.

Starting in September 2027, the programme will give you the opportunity to contribute to project management support assignments and take part in an Industrial Placement group project. You will have a dedicated mentor, buddy, project lead and line manager, providing guidance and support throughout your placement.

From the beginning, you will contribute to meaningful work while learning from experienced project managers and building your professional network across Northrop Grumman UK.

What you’ll do

• Support project scheduling, cost budgeting and estimating
• Help coordinate resources while learning to use project management tools
• Maintain accurate project documentation and governance materials
• Assist with identifying, recording and monitoring project risks
• Track project key performance indicators and associated metrics
• Support timely project reporting in line with established business rhythms
• Help organise stakeholder communications to ensure project information is shared effectively

Along the way, you could develop experience in:

• Project scheduling and resource coordination
• Cost budgeting and estimating
• Project management tools and processes
• Project documentation and governance
• Risk and performance management
• Stakeholder communication
• Project reporting and metrics

What we’re looking for

We are looking for students who are curious about how successful projects are delivered, enjoy solving problems and want to develop practical experience within a collaborative environment. You will bring a genuine interest in project management, an analytical approach and a willingness to learn from the people around you.

Essential:

• Currently working towards a relevant degree (or can demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills through work experience or other training)
• A genuine interest in project management
• Strong analytical skills and logical reasoning
• An understanding of the project lifecycle and the importance of delivering to deadlines
• The ability to approach problems and develop innovative solutions
• Knowledge and understanding of business and financial concepts, tools and processes

We welcome applications from candidates who have gained relevant skills outside of traditional degree routes. If you've built your expertise through work experience, an apprenticeship, professional certifications, bootcamps, open-source contributions, or significant personal projects, then we encourage your application.

If you do not meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Sometimes people hesitate because they cannot tick every box. If this opportunity interests you and you believe you could grow into the role, we would like to hear from you.

Security clearance

Due to the nature of our work, you must have Sole UK citizenship and be able to gain and maintain UK Government Security Check clearance in line with the requirements of the role.

Our recruitment team is on hand to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Contact [email protected] for further information.

Benefits

• Flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements and compressed fortnights with every other Friday off
• Private healthcare, dental, life assurance and pension
• Flexible benefits package, including critical illness cover and a health cash plan
• Holiday buy and sell scheme
• Career development programmes
• Annual performance incentive programme

Why join us?

• A Mission to Believe In: Every day, we contribute to building a more secure and connected world.
• A Place to Belong and Thrive: Every voice matters. Find community and belonging through our employee networks and get involved with STEM volunteering events.
• Your Career, Your Way: Discover your possible through diverse roles, mentorship and development opportunities tailored to your ambitions.

Ready to apply?

Yes: Submit your application online.

Possibly: If you would like to learn more about the programme, the role or the security clearance process, contact [email protected].

Not this opportunity: Explore other opportunities with us. We’re growing across the UK.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.