Technical Project Manager

ZipRecruiter; West Oxfordshire; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading optical technology company based in Oxfordshire is seeking a Technical Project Manager to oversee both client-led and internal R&D projects. This role involves coordinating multidisciplinary teams, creating project plans, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. Candidates should have a strong STEM background and experience in managing complex technical projects. Competitive salary and hybrid working options available.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing complex technical projects, ideally in optics or engineering.
• Strong technical understanding of the product development lifecycle.
• Familiarity with regulated environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee delivery of technical projects.
• Create and manage detailed project plans.
• Work closely with internal teams to track progress.

Skills

Project management in technical projects

Technical understanding of product development lifecycle

Planning and coordination skills

Problem-solving skills

Proficiency in project management tools

Education

Background in engineering or a related STEM field

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Overview

Turning ideas into reality takes more than innovation—it takes coordination. We’re looking for a Technical Project Manager to join a highly regarded Optical Technology company based in Oxfordshire. This role manages a mix of client-led and internal R&D projects in a fast-moving, technically challenging environment—working at the forefront of innovation in optics, ophthalmics, and lens systems.

This is a brilliant time to join this growing technology company as their move into the next stage of evolution. You’ll be responsible for coordinating multidisciplinary teams across engineering, research, and manufacturing functions—ensuring that projects progress smoothly from scope definition through to delivery. While many projects will involve external partners or clients, this role is focused on internal execution and delivery coordination, rather than acting as the primary client liaison.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee delivery of technical projects—both client-driven and internal R&D.
• Create and manage detailed project plans including scope, resources, milestones, timelines, and risk assessments.
• Work closely with internal teams (optical engineering, mechanical design, manufacturing, research) to track progress and resolve issues.
• Ensure projects remain on track, within budget, and aligned with technical requirements and company goals.
• Coordinate with technical leads and senior stakeholders to prioritise work and balance resources across concurrent projects.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, status reports, and delivery timelines.
• Support continuous improvement of internal project management processes and tools.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing complex technical projects, ideally in optics, engineering, medical device or hardware product development.
• Background in engineering or a related STEM field.
• Strong technical understanding of the product development lifecycle from R&D to manufacturing.
• Excellent planning, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in a small, fast-paced, and collaborative environment.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Confluence, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with regulated environments (such as ISO 13485) is a plus.

Desirable

• Experience in optical systems, ophthalmic devices, or AR/VR hardware.
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP, Prince2, Agile/Scrum).
• Experience balancing internal and external project streams.

Why Join?

You’ll be part of a team solving complex, meaningful problems that few others can. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside leading experts in optics and ophthalmics, contributing to projects that span cutting-edge consumer tech, AR/VR systems, classic ophthalmics and next-gen lens technologies. The company fosters a collaborative and intellectually rewarding environment where your contribution will have a direct impact.

Technical Project Manager – Optical & Ophthalmic Systems Location: Oxfordshire (Hybrid Working Available)

Type: Full-Time | Permanent

Salary: Competitive + Benefits