Research and Development Project Manager

JR United Kingdom; Watford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of innovative laser systems seeks an experienced Research and Development Project Manager. This role involves leading sustainment and new product introduction projects while ensuring project execution and stakeholder alignment. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant field and a strong background in technical project management, particularly in a high-tech manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in science, technology, or engineering, or equivalent industrial experience.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally involving design engineering.
• Demonstrable experience managing a technical project.

Responsibilities

• Define project phases and establish clear deliverables.
• Track project KPIs and improve project processes.
• Oversee project closeouts and manage phase gate reviews.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Project Management

Risk Management

SCRUM

AGILE

Technical Aptitude

Education

Degree in science, technology, or engineering

Job description

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Research and Development Project Manager, Watford, Hertfordshire

Client: Solutions Driven

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire, 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.