Research and Development Project Manager

JR United Kingdom; Bedford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of innovative laser systems seeks a Research and Development Project Manager in Bedford to lead both sustainment and New Product Introduction (NPI) projects. The role involves coordinating teams, managing project execution, and driving progress while fostering stakeholder engagement across technical environments.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally from design engineering to manufacturing.
• Demonstrable experience managing technical projects within SCRUM / AGILE.
• Ability to quickly learn about laser technology.

Responsibilities

• Define project phases and ensure efficient execution.
• Maintain and update risk register for proactive management.
• Facilitate project workshops and oversee closeouts.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Risk management

Project tracking

Education

Degree in science, technology, or engineering

Job description

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Research and Development Project Manager, Bedford

Client: Solutions Driven

Location: Bedford, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 4

Posted: 04.06.2025

Expiry Date: 19.07.2025

Job Description:

A leading provider of innovative laser systems to help people in various global markets, including renewables, microelectronics, research, life science, automotive, and medicine.

We seek an experienced R&D Project Manager to lead and coordinate both sustainment and New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.

The Project Manager will support smooth project execution, foster collaboration across teams, and may manage cross-site or non-NPI projects critical to product development. Success in this role requires driving progress, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring project goals are met within a technically complex environment.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define project phases and organize work for logical and efficient execution.
• Establish clear deliverables and milestones, ensuring near-term and long-term goals are well communicated.
• Maintain and update the risk register, ensuring proactive risk management.
• Facilitate project workshops, ensuring outcomes align with project goals.
• Oversee project closeouts, documenting key findings and best practices.

Performance Monitoring & Process Improvement

• Track project KPIs, including time, resources, and costs.
• Provide non-technical project updates and required documentation.
• Continuously improve project processes and documentation.
• Ensure adherence to NPI processes and maintain control over project records and information.
• Manage phase gate reviews, gathering sign-offs and logging any outstanding issues.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Degree in science, technology, or engineering, or equivalent industrial experience.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment, ideally including transfer from design engineering into manufacturing in a high-tech environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrable experience managing a technical project, ideally within a SCRUM / AGILE framework.
• Ability to quickly learn about laser technology.
• A passion for working with people across all functions of the business, forging relationships, and driving engagement.