About the Role

Do you want to be part of something amazing and have the opportunity to work on a broad range of projects of direct relevance to tackling the climate emergency? 

We are looking for a Project Manager to work in the Earth Observations area. Earth Observations (EO) from space capture immensely valuable measurements of the climate. EO data are complex and transforming these measurements into trustable information usable for world-class science, climate services and enhanced policymaking requires the underpinning of world-class metrology. NPL are leaders in the development and application of EO metrology, spanning a wide range of activities. As a Project Manager you’ll take a leading role in delivering a range of these projects and contracts that have the potential to make a huge difference to the world we live in.

Our Project Managers lead on projects with stakeholders across the globe. These include R&D and commercial projects across the UK government and industry as well as European and international collaborations, such as the European Space Agency (ESA).  You will be delivering projects on time, to budget and to the highest quality standards within our governance framework. You will receive support from our exclusive PMO portfolio office, who provide resources to help on projects and quality templates to ensure all our projects are managed to the highest standard. The PMO continuously develops improvements across our project portfolio to help Project Managers deliver their projects effectively and efficiently.

Our Project Managers build trust-based relationships and really get embedded in the teams whose projects they are managing and are trusted to work effectively with NPL`s world leading scientists. This ensures we create a supportive, friendly and encouraging culture across our organisation.  You don’t need to be an expert in science, although through a lot of what you will be involved in you will naturally become highly conversant in the themes of your projects. 

We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work life balance- if you are looking for part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where it is business possible. In addition, there is a wide range of benefits available to you as an NPL employee.

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About You

We are looking for Project Managers who are committed to excellence and will provide project leadership and management to ensure the successful delivery of a range of projects and contracts. Organised, business-savvy and with great communication skills, you’re a natural influencer who’s able to manage projects in a positive way. Beyond that, we’re looking for people who’ll thrive in an environment like ours. At NPL we learn from each other, respect each other and work together to do better for ourselves and for our customers.  And whilst we are always looking to stretch beyond what we know, we don’t make things more complicated when there’s no need.

As Project Manager you will be expected to manage medium complexity projects for the government or industry partners independently. There may be opportunity of line management of Junior Project Managers.

Essential experience and abilities:

  • Track record of successfully leading and managing projects for a number of stakeholders
  • Managing change within projects and communicating to multiple stakeholders across the business
  • Managing Risks and Issues within projects and communicating to multiple stakeholders across the business
  • Project Budgeting and Forecasting
  • Reporting to Project Stakeholders and Customers within agreed deadlines
  • Experience in demonstrating responsibility for the image of the project and the organisation
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Experience in developing and applying project management processes and tools, and a willingness to continually improve
  • Ability to travel both outside and within UK

Desirable experience and abilities:

  • Track record of successfully leading and managing R&D, engineering or science projects for multiple stakeholders
  • Demonstrable experience of working within a PMO environment
  • Experience in the preparation of successful project bids
  • Contract Management experience would be an advantage

Skills, Knowledge and Background:

  • Proficiency in all aspects of Microsoft OfficeTM
  • Proficiency in MS Project desirable (training is available)
  • PRINCE2/APM PMQ project management qualification or equivalent is desirable
  • Ideally educated to degree or equivalent level
Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.
 
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. Some departments may require a higher level of security clearance.
About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. 

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled, black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All dis candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. 

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditation to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. 

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us. 

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. Some departments may require a higher level of security clearance

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