Project Manager - Life Sciences

Smithers; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private BUPA medical insurance

Life insurance

Generous pension scheme

Job summary

Smithers MDT in Shawbury is seeking an experienced Project Manager with a scientific or engineering background to lead end-to-end client projects in medical device testing, from proposal through delivery.

The role requires at least four years in technical or project management, with a degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Forensic Science or Mechanical Engineering preferred; equivalent industry experience is welcome.

Qualifications

• End-to-end management of client projects from proposal to delivery.
• Degree in a relevant discipline preferred (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Forensic Science or Mechanical Engineering) or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum of four years in a technical or project management role; experience in medical device testing or laboratory practices is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end management of client projects from proposal through delivery.
• Prepare quotes, manage scope changes and risks.
• Host programme management calls with clients and liaise with technical and commercial stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across UK and Europe; support improvements to internal systems.

Skills

Project management

Client communication

Risk assessment

CRM

PM software

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

MS Project

Excel

CRM tools

Job description

Project Manager – Medical Device Testing (Shawbury)

Are you an experienced project manager with a scientific or engineering background, ready to take on complex, high-value projects within the fast-paced world of medical device testing. Smithers MDT, a global leader in life sciences and analytical testing, is looking for a Project Manager to join our dynamic team at our Shawbury site. This is an exciting opportunity to work across both UK and European operations, supporting cutting-edge projects and driving operational excellence.

As a Project Manager, you will play a pivotal role in the end-to-end management of client projects, from proposal through to delivery. You’ll be responsible for preparing quotes, managing scope changes, and hosting programme management calls with clients, often liaising with technical and commercial stakeholders alike. Your ability to combine technical insight with commercial awareness will be key in delivering high-value proposals and ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget.

You’ll thrive in this role if you’re naturally proactive, highly organised, and confident working independently. Our ideal candidate will bring at least four years of experience in a technical or project management role, ideally within a scientific, engineering, or quality-driven environment. A degree in a relevant discipline such as Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Forensic Science, or Mechanical Engineering is preferred, but equivalent industry experience is also welcome.

In this role, you’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams across our laboratories in the UK and Europe, support improvements to internal systems and processes, and contribute to profitability reviews and strategic analysis. You’ll also represent Smithers MDT at conferences and exhibitions, helping to raise our profile within the industry. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain international exposure, with occasional travel to client sites, tradeshows and industry events across Europe and beyond.

To succeed, you’ll need strong communication skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a commercial environment. Experience with client communication, risk assessments, CRM and PM software, and an understanding of medical device testing or laboratory practices would be a strong advantage. Foreign language skills such as French, German, or Spanish would also be beneficial, though not essential.

At Smithers, you’ll be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team with access to a range of benefits including private BUPA medical insurance, a competitive salary, life insurance, and a generous pension scheme. We are proud to support the personal and professional development of our people, and we value curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• private BUPA medical insurance
• a competitive salary
• life insurance
• a generous pension scheme

If you're looking for a meaningful role where science meets strategy, and where your expertise will make a real impact—then we’d love to hear from you.