JOB SUMMARY:

As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for the management of microelectronics and optoelectronics product projects within the defence sector. This includes planning and implementing production capacity to meet increased customer order requirements, delivering cost-reduction and process-improvement initiatives through continuous improvement methodologies such as LEAN and Kaizen, and managing current and future component obsolescence strategies, including Integrated Logistics Support (ILS).

The role will act as a key customer interface and will be responsible for reporting through quarterly business reviews, weekly work-in-progress tracking, Failure Reporting, Analysis and Corrective Action System (FRACAS), delivery schedules, capacity plans, quality control audits, repairs, and returns.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide project leadership for high-reliability and defence contracts, including planning and defining scope, directing and coordinating project activities, and reporting on complex, high-visibility projects.
• Maintain overall accountability for tracking, reporting, and forecasting project performance against approved schedule and budget baselines, both internally and with customers.
• Manage new product development and product redesign projects in accordance with the SCL product design process.
• Chair and present project gate reviews from initial kick-off through to production handover, including the management of any necessary qualification activities.
• Act as a key customer interface, supporting regular customer meetings and providing accurate and timely project reports.
• Assist in the management of changes to project scope, schedules, and costs using appropriate verification techniques, ensuring project plans remain accurate, current, and reflective of authorised changes.
• Ensure adherence to internal project management processes, including the use of Earned Value reporting as part of the monthly reporting process.
• Prepare and submit appropriate customer documentation, including Project Management Plans, project schedules, and other documentation required as part of the deliverable data pack.
• Support bids and proposals as required, including bid management and the definition and development of project budgets.
• Populate, maintain, and score project risk registers, including defining and implementing appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
• Complete project optimisation activities with a focus on inventory metrics, cost understanding, capacity planning, lead-time reduction, and on-time delivery through projects and programmes that continuously improve Site operational performance.
• Understand, plan, and implement production processes and equipment to meet required production volumes.
• Work with the Process Engineering Manager to identify appropriate solutions, evaluate necessary trade-offs, and complete the qualification of production lines and processes required to meet customer demand.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the effective transition of projects from initial kick-off through to production handover.
• Coordinate with relevant internal functions to ensure project objectives, qualification requirements, production volumes, and customer commitments are achieved.
• Support continuous improvement and cost-reduction activities using methodologies such as LEAN and Kaizen.
• Manage current and future component obsolescence strategies, including relevant Integrated Logistics Support activities.
• Support quarterly business reviews and provide regular updates on work in progress, FRACAS activities, delivery schedules, production capacity, quality control audits, repairs, and returns.
• Maintain project documentation and reporting in accordance with internal processes, contractual requirements, and customer expectations.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties relevant to the role, as requested by the line manager.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Degree-level qualification in Engineering, such as a BEng, or a similar relevant technical discipline.

Experience:

• Experience managing projects with values of up to £10 million.
• Experience in project planning and scheduling.
• Experience in Earned Value Management.
• Experience in risk management, including risk identification, scoring, mitigation, and ongoing monitoring.
• Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning tools within a project environment.
• Experience planning for production and supporting the implementation or qualification of production processes and equipment.
• Understanding of the relevant industry, including applicable standards and requirements.
• Strong leadership, teamwork, initiative, and conflict-management capabilities.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Formal Project Management training or certification, such as PRINCE2, Project Management Institute certification, or a similar recognised qualification.
• Knowledge and experience of working for, or with, Prime organisations.
• Knowledge of planning and implementing production capacity within a technical manufacturing environment.
• Experience within the defence, high-reliability, microelectronics, or optoelectronics sectors.
• Understanding of continuous improvement methodologies, including LEAN and Kaizen.
• A willingness to continue learning and developing professionally.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Project planning and scheduling.
• Earned Value Management.
• Leadership.
• Risk management.
• Initiative and sound decision-making.
• Teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to manage conflict effectively.
• Customer and stakeholder management.
• Budget management and financial forecasting.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Ability to manage complex, high-visibility projects.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Other Requirements

• You must be eligible for full security clearance.
• Occasional travel may be required for supplier, customer, or project engagement.