Project Manager (Defence)Project Manager (Defence)
Position Description
The Space, Defence and Intelligence business unit in CGI is a true IT Systems Integrator. We work, build, and operate bespoke, technically complex, mission-critical systems which help our clients keep us all safe and secure. We bring innovation to our clients using proven and emerging technologies, agile delivery processes and our deep expertise across the breadth of space, defence, intelligence, aerospace and maritime, all underpinned by our end-to-end cyber capability. We work collaboratively with global technology companies, cutting edge SMEs and academia to deliver the optimal solution for each client.
CGI was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List 2025 and has been named one of the 'World's Best Employers' by Forbes magazine. We offer a competitive salary, excellent pension, private healthcare, plus a share scheme (3.5% + 3.5% matching) which makes you a CGI Partner not just an employee. We are committed to inclusivity, building a genuinely diverse community of tech talent and inspiring everyone to pursue careers in our sector, including our Armed Forces, and are proud to hold a Gold Award in recognition of our support of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant. Join us and you'll be part of an open, friendly community of experts. We'll train and support you in taking your career wherever you want it to go.
Due to the secure nature of the programme, you will need to hold UK Security Clearance or be eligible to go through this clearance. This position will be 5 days a week on site in Reading.
Your future duties and responsibilities
CGI seeks an experienced Project Manager to lead a high-visibility hardware and software infrastructure refresh at our Reading office, overseeing procurement, deployment, testing, and decommissioning. You'll lead a 15-member cross-functional team of engineers, architects, and specialists through end-to-end technical refresh cycles, including server, storage, network, OS, virtualisation, and middleware upgrades. Leveraging proven expertise in firmware updates, driver validation, compatibility testing, and software patching, you'll ensure smooth cutover, robust rollback procedures, and comprehensive handover documentation. As the primary stakeholder liaison, you'll provide clear status reporting, change control management, and executive insights, with occasional travel for key milestone reviews. You'll champion best practices in asset lifecycle management, data integrity, and compliance to deliver the project on time, within budget, and to CGI's stringent quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
• Project Leadership: Own the project lifecycle from initiation through to close out, coordinating with technical teams and stakeholders.
• Team Management: Lead and motivate a multidisciplinary team of circa 15 resources, balancing workloads and optimising performance.
• Scheduling & Planning: Develop, maintain, and monitor a detailed project schedule in MS Project, adjusting timelines as needed to meet deliverables.
• Risk & Dependency Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks and dependencies; escalate issues proactively.
• Stakeholder Reporting: Provide weekly status reports and presentations to the Director, ensuring transparency around progress, risks, and next steps.
• Client Engagement: Represent CGI in client meetings, build strong relationships, and manage expectations throughout the project.
Required qualifications to be successful in this role
• IT Project Management: Proven track record managing complex infrastructure or technical projects.
• MS Project Expertise: Advanced skills in Microsoft Project for planning, tracking, and reporting.
• Multi Workstream Coordination: Demonstrated ability to juggle multiple workstreams and resource allocations simultaneously.
• Technical Acumen: Previous infrastructure experience or strong technical background to effectively liaise with engineers and vendors.
• On Site Commitment: Willingness and ability to work from CGI's Reading offices five days a week.
Why CGI?
• High Profile Project: Lead a critical infrastructure transformation for a leading organisation.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside expert technical teams in a supportive, fast paced setting.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and progression within CGI's global network.
• Competitive Package: Attractive salary and benefits, reflecting the responsibility and impact of the role.
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Together, as owners, let's turn meaningful insights into action.
Life at CGI is rooted in ownership, teamwork, respect and belonging. Here, you'll reach your full potential because...
You are invited to be an owner from day 1 as we work together to bring our Dream to life. That's why we call ourselves CGI Partners rather than employees. We benefit from our collective success and actively shape our company's strategy and direction.
Your work creates value. You'll develop innovative solutions and build relationships with teammates and clients while accessing global capabilities to scale your ideas, embrace new opportunities, and benefit from expansive industry and technology expertise.
You'll shape your career by joining a company built to grow and last. You'll be supported by leaders who care about your health and well-being and provide you with opportunities to deepen your skills and broaden your horizons.
Come join our team-one of the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world.
We are a global business with 91,500 professionals across hundreds of locations worldwide, providing end-to-end IT and business process services that drive our clients’ businesses. In the UK alone, we have around 6,000 member-partners working across 19 towns and cities, doing everything from writing complex code to designing sophisticated software solutions. The work we do powers some of the most ambitious projects that touch the lives of many. Our approach sets us apart, characterised by our proximity model, international presence, expertise, and operational excellence. We organise our operations within metro markets where our clients have concentrated footprints, empowering our local teams to build trusted, in-person relationships. As you build your career here, you’ll develop your skills, share your insights, and work side-by-side with colleagues and clients on innovative solutions that address the most complex issues. Our commitment to ownership, flexibility, and being approachable makes us easy to do business with. Join us, and together, as owners, let’s turn meaningful insights into action to meet the needs and balance the interests of our clients, shareholders, communities, and each other. Benefits: - Insurance coverage - Medical benefits - Pension plan - Member Assistant Programme - Check4Cancer - Flexible time off - Share Purchase Plan - Member discounts - Dental benefits - Vision benefits - Profit Participation Plan - Health and Wellbeing Programme