Research and Development Project Manager

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

Job summary

A leading provider of innovative laser systems seeks an experienced R&D Project Manager in Swindon to lead sustainment and new product introduction projects. The role demands strong project management skills, collaboration across teams, and the ability to drive progress within a complex technical environment.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Define project phases and organize work for efficient execution.
• Maintain and update the risk register for proactive risk management.
• Track project KPIs, including time, resources, and costs.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Project Management

Risk Management

Process Improvement

Education

Degree in science, technology, or engineering

Job description

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Research and Development Project Manager, Swindon, Wiltshire

Client: Solutions Driven

Location: Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

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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 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.