Research and Development Project Manager

JR United Kingdom; Preston; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in laser systems is looking for a Research and Development Project Manager in Preston, Lancashire. The role involves leading sustainment and New Product Introduction projects, driving progress through collaboration and alignment across teams. Applicants should have a background in science, technology, or engineering, and experience managing technical projects within a high-tech manufacturing environment. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic project landscape with a focus on innovation and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in engineering or technology.
• Experience in manufacturing environment and project management.
• Demonstrable experience in a SCRUM / AGILE framework.

Responsibilities

• Define project phases and organize work for efficient execution.
• Track project KPIs, including time, resources, and costs.
• Ensure adherence to NPI processes and maintain project documentation.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Ability to learn laser technology

Education

Degree in science, technology, or engineering

Tools

SCRUM

AGILE

Job description

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Research and Development Project Manager, preston, lancashire

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Client:

Solutions Driven

Location:

preston, lancashire, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

4

Posted:

04.06.2025

Expiry Date:

19.07.2025

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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 of working in a manufacturing environment, ideally including the transfer from design engineering into manufacturing in a high-tech environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrable experience of 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.