The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the UK’s National Metrology Institute, delivering world‑leading measurement science to support innovation, industry, and national priorities. Our people work on cutting‑edge programmes that shape the future—advancing technology, enabling scientific breakthroughs, and delivering impact for society.
As a Project Manager, you will lead complex, high‑value, multi‑disciplinary programmes that sit at the heart of NPL’s mission.
Role Purpose
To provide project leadership across a portfolio of projects in the Quantum Programme, ensuring delivery to scope, time, cost, and quality. You will work with senior stakeholders, principal scientists, commercial partners, and government customers to drive successful outcomes and strengthen NPL’s project delivery capability.
Programme Allocation
We’re seeking an exceptional project manager to spearhead high-impact initiatives within our quantum technologies portfolio. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of quantum technologies, working at the intersection of science, policy, and international collaboration.
As Project Manager, you will support the delivery of the expanded Quantum Measurement Programme, a cornerstone of the National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP). This flagship initiative is building the test and evaluation capabilities the UK quantum industry needs to develop products with confidence, strengthen national security, and demonstrate clear value to customers, investors, and end users.
Working Pattern
This role requires onsite presence at least 3 days per week, working collaboratively with cross‑functional teams, stakeholders, and laboratory-based colleagues.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Leadership & Delivery
- Lead complex, cross‑functional projects from initiation to closure.
- Develop robust project plans, governance structures, and risk strategies.
- Ensure successful delivery against programme objectives, KPIs, and financial targets.
- Manage dependencies, schedule, resources, and budget across multiple streams.
- Take a proactive, solutions‑focused approach to overcoming delivery challenges.
Stakeholder & Customer Engagement
- Partner with internal technical leads to translate scientific requirements into deliverable plans.
- Build relationships with external customers (e.g. government, industry, research collaborators).
- Provide clear reporting and communication to senior leadership and governance boards.
Risk, Quality & Compliance
- Operate within NPL project governance frameworks, commercial controls, and assurance processes.
- Proactively identify, escalate, and resolve risks and issues, driving timely mitigation.
- Champion quality, safety, and continuous improvement across delivery teams.
Leadership & Capability Development
- Drive adoption of best practices in project management, tools, and methodologies.
- Contribute to portfolio‑level planning, resourcing, and strategic decision-making.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential:
- Experience managing large, complex technical or scientific projects.
- Project governance expertise (e.g. stage‑gated delivery, risk & financial controls).
- Excellent stakeholder engagement at senior levels.
- Highly effective communicator with strong negotiation and influencing skills.
- Proactive mindset with a strong track record of problem‑solving and driving outcomes.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability.
Desirable:
- Professional project management qualification (e.g. APM PMQ/PPQ, PRINCE2, MSP, PMP).
- Experience in R&D, engineering, scientific environments, or public‑sector programmes.
- Understanding of metrology, national laboratories, or government‑funded research.
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary or matrix teams.
What We Offer
- Meaningful work that contributes to national capability and scientific excellence.
- Hybrid working with a balance of onsite and remote working (minimum 3 days onsite).
- Professional development and funded training.
- Inclusive and collaborative culture.
- Excellent benefits package including pension, healthcare options, and generous leave.
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. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.
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 practical.