Project Manager

Hochiki Group; Rochester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

24 days holiday

Workplace pension

Parental Leave

Employee Assistance Programme

GP and wellbeing access

Discounts via Rewards Gateway

Salary Finance

Employee referrals

Mental Health First Aid

Life Assurance

Cycle to work

Internal trainings

Company events

Volunteering Program

Long Service Awards

Job summary

Hochiki Group is seeking a Project Manager to guide cross-functional teams through the New Product Introduction (NPI) process. You will own delivery from concept to customer release, coordinating with Product Management, Software, Hardware, QA, Approvals and Production Eng.

The role reports to the R&D Director and emphasizes problem-solving, stakeholder communication and continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Formal project management qualification or relevant degree is required.
• Degree/HND in IT, software, electronics or CS related field preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects in parallel.

Responsibilities

• Scoping: define project scope with stakeholders and trade-offs.
• Delivery strategy: translate objectives into milestones and goals.
• Project Coordination: lead cross-functional teams (Product, Software, Hardware, QA, Approvals, Procurement, Production Eng.).
• Project Roadmap: set timelines and track progress with Jira/Zoho; report to leadership.
• Risk Management: identify dependencies, risks, blockers and solutions.
• Stakeholder Communication: clear, influential updates up to senior leadership.
• Process Improvement: drive ongoing planning and execution improvements.

Skills

Strong planning & execution

Multi-project management

Stakeholder challenging

Jira & Zoho Projects

MS Project & MS Office

Education

PRINCE2/APMP/PMP or relevant degree

IT/Software/Electronics/CS degree or equivalent

Tools

Zoho Projects

Jira

Microsoft Project

Job description

Project Manager

Working for Global Research and Development

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Global Research and Development (R&D) Team. At Global R&D, we create innovative life safety products, including fire panels, devices and detectors for customers around the world. We provide a welcoming environment where our employees focus is on the design and development of new products that have a tangible, positive impact on people’s lives. This role presents an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the success of the team and to help shape its future direction.

Department: Global Research and Development (R&D)

Location: Rochester

Role Purpose

As a Project Manager, you’ll be responsible for guiding cross-functional teams through the New Product Introduction (NPI) Process, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within scope and within budget. You’ll own project delivery from initial concept through to customer release, acting as the central point of contact throughout the project lifecycle.

You’ll work closely with both technical and commercial stakeholders to drive projects to completion. Taking ownership, providing clarity and adapting to changing business priorities will be key to your success. If you’re passionate about problem-solving and delivering meaningful change, this could be the role for you.

Who you’ll report to: R&D Director

What you’ll do:

• Scoping: Work closely with technical, product, QA and Approvals to define the project scope. Manage changing business priorities and requirements, making informed trade-offs to balance time, cost and quality.

• Delivery strategy: Translate business objectives into clear goals, success criteria and milestones.
• Project Coordination: Co-ordinate cross-functional delivery teams such as Product Management, Software, Hardware, Verification, Quality, Approvals, Procurement and Production Engineering.
• Project Roadmap: Define realistic timelines and roadmaps. Track progress using tools like Jira and Zoho Projects. Deliver accurate project status reports to stakeholders and senior Management.

• Risk Management: Proactively identify project dependencies, risks and blockers. Work closely with stakeholders to define and implement appropriate solutions.
• Stakeholder Communication: Communicate clearly and effectively, influencing stakeholders at all levels, from engineering teams through to senior leadership.

• Process Improvement: Drive continuous process improvement and adoption. Implement practical strategies to improve planning, delivery and execution.

What we’re looking for:

Qualifications

• Essential:
  • Formal Project management qualification (PRINCE2, APMP, PMP) or relevant degree
• Desirable:
  • Degree/HND in an IT, Software, Electronics, Computer Science related field (or equivalent)

Skills & Experience

• Essential:
  • Strong planning, prioritisation and execution skills.
  • Demonstrate experience managing multiple complex projects in parallel.
  • Confident challenging technical stakeholders to ensure timelines are realistic.
  • Strong experience using project planning and delivery tools like Zoho Projects and Jira.
  • Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite including Project, Excel, PowerPoint.

• Desirable:
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Project Manager within a technical environment.
  • Experience working in a regulated or compliance-driven indust
  • Experience working in a fast-paced or a startup environment is highly valued.
  • A technical background in electronics, software engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Experience of electronics and/or software product development lifecycles.
  • Knowledge of Waterfall & Agile delivery frameworks.
  • Understanding of ISO 9001 requirements

Personal qualities

• Ownership: Take accountability and proactively drive projects to successful completion.
• Communication: Communicate complex information clearly and confidently.
• Adaptability: Remain calm under pressure, responding positively to evolving business priorities.
• Collaborative: Build trust and improve collaboration between cross-functional teams.
• Problem-Solving: Evaluate complex issues and propose practical solutions.
• Continuous Improvement: Embrace change, actively seek feedback and identify new improvement opportunities.

What We Offer:

• Working hours: Monday-Thursday: 08:30-17:00, Friday: 08:30-16:00 (Hybrid working available)
• 24 days holiday
• Workplace pension scheme
• Enhanced Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Programme (LifeWorks)
• Unlimited access to 24/7 GP and wellbeing experts (Smart Health)
• Access to Rewards Gateway which offers exclusive discounts and savings on a variety of products and services
• Financial well-being scheme (Salary Finance)
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Free Mental Health First Aid courses (M.H.F.A.)
• Life Assurance
• SmartTech
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Mortgage Services
• Internal Trainings
• Company Events
• Volunteering Program
• Long Service Awards