Research and Development Project Manager

JR United Kingdom; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider in innovative laser systems seeks a Research and Development Project Manager in Wakefield. The role involves leading sustainment and New Product Introduction projects, fostering collaboration, and ensuring project goals are met in a complex technical environment. Candidates should have a technical background, excellent communication skills, and experience in project management within high-tech manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing environment, especially in high-tech.
• Ability to manage technical projects effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Define project phases and organize work for efficient execution.
• Track project KPIs and provide updates.
• Facilitate workshops and oversee project closeouts.

Skills

Project Management

Risk Management

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Process Improvement

Education

Degree in science, technology, or engineering

Tools

SCRUM

AGILE

Job description

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Research and Development Project Manager, Wakefield

Client: Solutions Driven

Location: Wakefield, 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 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.