Research and Development Project Manager

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

Job summary

A leading company specializing in innovative laser systems seeks an experienced R&D Project Manager in Cambridge. The role involves leading sustainment and New Product Introduction projects, fostering teamwork, ensuring effective execution, and driving engagement across functions. Candidates should have a strong background in project management within technical industries and possess excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing environment and managing technical projects.
• Ability to work in a SCRUM / AGILE framework is preferred.
• Passion for working collaboratively across functions.

Responsibilities

• Define project phases and organize work for efficient execution.
• Track project KPIs, ensuring goals are met.
• Facilitate project workshops and oversee project closeouts.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Project Management

Risk Management

Process Improvement

Education

Degree in science, technology, or engineering

Job description

Research and Development Project Manager, Cambridge

Client:

Solutions Driven

Location:

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 but not limited to 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

Project Structuring & Execution:

• 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 in 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.