BAE Systems: Maritime Naval Ships - Project Management Graduate

What is a project?

Everything from implementing a new software system to delivering a multimillion pound warship can be considered a project

Projects need to be controlled to meet their objectives and deliver benefits. Objectives are defined in terms of expectations relating to time, cost and quality.

All of the work that has to be done to achieve the time, cost and quality objectives defines the project scope. The scope can change over time, and it is the Project Manager’s responsibility to ensure the project will still deliver its defined benefits.

What is Project Management?

“At its most fundamental, project management is about people getting things done”

Dr Martin Barnes, APM President 2003-2012.

Project Management focuses on controlling the introduction of the desired change. This involves:

Understanding the needs of stakeholders.Planning what needs to be done, when, by whom, and to what standards.Building and motivating the team.Coordinating the work of different people.Monitoring work being done.Managing any changes to the plan.Delivering successful results.What does the role entail?

A Project Management Graduate will sit under the Project Management function and during their 2 year graduate scheme could find themselves undertaking placements (typically 4 months in duration) in some of the following areas:

Combat SystemsBusiness DevelopmentProject Delivery TeamsPlanning & ControlsCentral Project Management Function

We also encourage our Graduates to take one of their placements within another function such as Operations, Engineering or Supply Chain to give them an appreciation of how these functions deliver into a project.

All roles will have a level of general management and safety responsibility and there is often a significant element of problem solving and liaising with other functions required. Additionally we have to be conscious quality and the need to take appropriate mitigating actions to reduce our exposure to risks. With this in mind a good appreciation of and approach to safety, quality and risk management has to be implemented.     

What sort of person would be suited to the role?

Project Management roles are set in a challenging, fast paced environment. These are ideally suited to people who are resourceful with a cool head under pressure. The ability to see tasks through to completion and ensure all details are complete is advantageous.

What sort of skills and qualifications are we looking for?

For roles in Project Management, good interpersonal skills are a must due to the requirement to regularly liaise with team members and personnel from other functions. The ability to question and challenge is also advantageous.

How does the role contribute to the business?

Although we expect our Graduates to make a notable contribution to the business, our main priority for our Graduates over the 2 year scheme is for them to learn about the business and understand the important part that Project Management plays in the delivery of our products.

What career progression may be possible?

The roles offered within Project Management readily lend themselves to future development and career advancement. The skills developed in organising, assessing, improving, and communicating form a firm foundation from which a successful career can be built from. Opportunities post the Graduate scheme include senior Project Manager roles (typically 2-3 years post scheme) or other roles across the business which require the organisation and people management skills inherent in those with a Project Management background.

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