National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Project Manager (R&D) – Maternity Cover (9–12 Month FTC)
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Project Manager (R&D) – Maternity Cover (9–12 Month FTC)
Project Manager – Fixed-Term Maternity Cover National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
About the Role
At NPL, we set the standards that enable innovation. As the UK’s National Measurement Institute, our work underpins scientific discovery, industrial progress, and confidence in data—fundamental to addressing challenges like climate change, achieving net zero, and ensuring a sustainable future.
Scientific measurement plays a pivotal role across atmospheric monitoring, emission reductions, climate research, and Earth Observation. We are seeking a Project Manager to join a vibrant science team on a fixed-term maternity cover, reporting to the Group Leader and working alongside a central Project Management Office (PMO).
This dynamic role offers the chance to shape the lifecycle of R&D and grant-funded projects, delivering measurable impact while fostering collaboration, transparency, and compliance. Whether guiding technical innovation or engaging with customers, you’ll align delivery excellence with real-world purpose.
About You
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience: Leading R&D or technically complex projects with hardware and software components.
- Stakeholder & customer management: Strong ability to build trust, clarify expectations, and manage relationships with diverse audiences.
- Agile project foundations: Experience with contracts, grant funding, or multi-partner engagements.
- Scientific collaboration: Comfort working within a research-led environment, liaising with Technical Leads and subject-matter experts.
- Commercial acumen: Expertise in planning, forecasting, risk, and financial management, with an eye for quality and compliance.
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Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- Certifications: PRINCE2, APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ), or Project Management Professional (PMP).
- Portfolio management: Leading multiple projects under shared leadership, balancing resource allocation across competing priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Core Obligations
- Deliver commercial and grant-funded R&D projects on time, within budget, and to specified scope and quality standards.
- Develop clear delivery plans, setting baselines for forecasts, risks, issues, dependencies, and change control.
- Maintain robust customer and stakeholder rapport, aligning deliverables with acceptance criteria, reporting, and contractual governance.
- Coordinate across internal teams, partners, and subccontractors, tracking progress and ensuring dependency resolution.
- Oversee budget adherence, supplier contracts, and project closure, complying with terms of contracts or grant agreements.
- Capture lessons learned to refine project management excellence over time.
Working at NPL
Our Commitment to You
- Hybrid workflows: Balance between on-site collaboration and flexible remote flexibility.
- PMO support: Access to designated tools, templates, and community guidance.
- Impactful science: Work on teams making national and global measurement discoveries.
- Cultural values: Uphold principles of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Security Consideration: To join NPL, you must hold or obtain BPSS security clearance. Applicants will be required to address residency/clearance prerequisites during the recruitment process.
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Application Tip:
The role runs dynamically—application periods may close earlier than posted. Act quickly if interested to avoid missing deadlines.
About NPL
The National Physical Laboratory drives scientific innovation for economic prosperity and societal benefit. Through visionary measurement science and engineering, NPL equips the UK with the tools to advance from discovery to creative application.
Join a community of positive difference-makers in the NPL mission, or explore what it’s like to work here: 🔹 The measure of us – Introduction → (placeholders for actual URL)
Equality & Diversity
NPL and the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) proudly support diversity and inclusion. We champion equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. In particular, women, disabled persons, and Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) candidates are actively encouraged to apply.
Under the Disability Confident Scheme, all disabled candidates meeting the criteria will be guaranteed an interview. NPL commits to reasonable adjustments to ensure equitable access:
For further discussion, contact recruitment@npl.co.uk.
Our Values
Core to NPL’s success are the principles of innovation and inclusivity. Discover more about NPL’s Diversity & Inclusionstrategy.
Find out more: 📌 Join the NPL community to shape the future of measured excellence.
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