Senior Project Manager Scientific tools and instruments

Oxford Instruments; High Wycombe; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in High Wycombe is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead cross-functional product development projects. The role involves managing all aspects from planning to launch, working closely with teams across the business. Ideal candidates will have a degree in a scientific or engineering discipline, along with proven experience in a high-tech environment. This position offers competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Competitive salary with performance-related bonus

Company pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record of delivering complex product development projects in a high-tech environment.
• Skilled in project management tools such as Microsoft Project, issue-tracking systems, and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of stage-gate oversight; Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage product development projects through the stage-gate process.
• Track and report progress, costs, risks, and issues at a business level.
• Ensure project schedules, quality, features, and costs align with business requirements.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration skills

Excellent communication

Proactive problem solving

Education

Degree in a scientific or engineering discipline

Tools

Microsoft Project

Agile methodologies

Job description

Materials Analysis is part of Oxford Instruments and brings together our market‑leading products in Electron Microscopy & Mechanical Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, Raman Microscopy and Benchtop NMR. With over sixty years of history and fourteen Queens Awards for Enterprise we create world‑class technologies that enable our customers to tackle some of the greatest challenges of the 21st century from developing next‑generation semiconductors to advancing renewable energy solutions.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Senior Project Manager – Scientific tools and instruments to lead cross‑functional product development projects from initial planning through to successful launch and first deliveries.

This is a highly visible and influential role where you will work closely with engineering, marketing, operations, sales and service teams to ensure projects are delivered on time to budget and to specification. You’ll play a key role in anticipating and mitigating risks, driving continuous improvement and ensuring alignment with business strategy and customer needs.

Working at Oxford Instruments Materials Analysis – What’s in it for you

Wellbeing

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays with the option to purchase up to 12 additional weeks
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24 / 7 support including counselling and legal/financial guidance
• Private medical insurance, dental insurance and life assurance

Money & Lifestyle

• Competitive salary with performance‑related bonus
• Company pension scheme with employer contributions
• Share incentive plan helping you invest in your future
• Discounts with leading retailers through MyDiscounts
• Salary sacrifice schemes for electric / hybrid cars technology and cycling

Development

• Defined career pathways and regular performance reviews
• Support to gain professional and academic qualifications

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage product development projects through the stage‑gate process
• Track and report progress costs risks and issues at a business level
• Ensure project schedules, quality, features and costs align with business requirements
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Service and Operations for seamless transition to market
• Drive process improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness
• Deliver projects on time within budget and to agreed quality standards

About You

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in a scientific or engineering discipline
• Proven track record of delivering complex product development projects in a high‑tech environment
• Skilled in project management tools such as Microsoft Project, issue‑tracking systems and reporting tools
• Knowledge of stage‑gate oversight; Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) desirable

Skills & Qualities

• Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation abilities
• Proactive problem solver with the ability to anticipate and manage risks
• Continuous improvement mindset and focus on delivering results

Location & Working Hours

This role is based at our High Wycombe site with flexibility for hybrid working. Our standard working week is 37 hours with early Friday finishes.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and will make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to support candidates with specific needs.