Assistant Project Manager

Cubic; City Of London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking an Assistant Project Manager to support systems engineering projects, particularly within the Rail fare collection sector. The ideal candidate will assist in project planning, stakeholder engagement, and financial management, while developing strong project management skills. A degree in Engineering or Project Management is required, along with excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a matrix organization.

Qualifications

• Some experience or strong interest in supporting technology projects, ideally in fare collection or transport.
• Ability to work as part of cross-functional teams.
• Awareness of systems engineering lifecycle methodologies.
• Basic understanding of commercial and financial project management.
• Experience with UK Rail industry customers is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist Project Managers in planning and delivery of systems engineering projects.
• Support application of project lifecycle approaches fitting project context.
• Build relationships with UK Rail customers and stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively in a matrix structure.
• Oversee technical delivery following best practices.
• Support management of project budgets and financial performance.
• Help manage project risks and issues.

Skills

Experience supporting systems engineering

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Matrix organization experience

Commercial project management understanding

Risk management awareness

Education

Degree in Engineering, Project Management

Professional project management qualification (APM PFQ/PMQ, PRINCE2)

Job description

Overview

Cubic is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Project Manager to support the delivery of end-to-end systems engineering projects, primarily within the UK Rail fare collection sector, with opportunities to contribute to global initiatives. The successful candidate will work within a matrix organisation, supporting Project Managers and collaborating with cross-functional teams and customers, while developing strong project management skills across a range of lifecycle methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Support: Assist Project Managers in the planning, coordination, and delivery of complex systems engineering projects, ensuring alignment with Cubic’s strategic objectives and customer requirements
• Lifecycle Methodologies: Support the application of appropriate project lifecycle approaches (linear, iterative, hybrid, extended) to suit project context and customer needs
• Stakeholder Engagement: Help build and maintain effective relationships with UK Rail industry customers and internal/external stakeholders. Support communication and engagement activities
• Matrix Teamwork: Work collaboratively within a matrix structure, coordinating with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives.
• Technical & Delivery Support: Assist in the oversight of technical delivery, ensuring systems engineering best practices are followed throughout the project lifecycle.
• Commercial & Financial Administration: Support the management of project budgets, forecasts, and commercial contracts. Assist in tracking project costs and financial performance
• Risk & Issue Management: Help identify, assess, and manage project risks and issues. Support the development and implementation of mitigation strategies in line with APM best practice
• Quality & Benefits Realisation: Support the delivery of project outputs that meet defined acceptance criteria and contribute to the realisation of intended business benefits
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to lessons learned and the continuous improvement of project management practices within Cubic.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Some experience (or strong interest) in supporting systems engineering or technology projects, ideally in fare collection, transport, or related sectors.
• Ability to work within a matrix organisation and as part of cross-functional and virtual teams.
• Awareness of systems engineering lifecycle methodologies (linear, iterative, hybrid, extended) and their practical application
• Good communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Basic understanding of commercial and financial project management.
• Awareness of risk management principles and practices.
• Experience working with or for UK Rail industry customers is desirable.
• Willingness to support global projects as required.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Working towards a professional project management qualification (e.g., APM PFQ/PMQ, PRINCE2 Foundation) is an advantage.
• Interest in membership of the Association for Project Management (APM) or similar professional body.

Key Behaviours

• Collaborative, adaptable, and eager to learn in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Committed to professional standards, ethics, and continuous professional development
• Proactive, organised, and focused on delivering value to customers and the business.

Worker Type: Employee