National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
Senior Project Manager
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Senior Project Manager – Quantum & Timing
About the Role
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 shaping the future, advancing technology, enabling scientific breakthroughs, and delivering societal impact.
As a Senior Project Manager, you will lead complex, high-value, multidisciplinary programmes within the Quantum and Timing portfolio, driving progress toward redefining the second based on optical atomic clocks.
Role Purpose
Reporting into the Group Leader, you will provide strategic project leadership across a portfolio of projects supporting NPL’s quantum advancements.
- Ensure delivery on scope, time, cost, and quality
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders, principal scientists, technical teams, commercial partners, and government customers
- Strengthen NPL’s project delivery capability
- Drive successful outcomes through structured governance and risk mitigation
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Delivery
- Lead complex, cross-functional projects from initiation to closure
- Establish and enforce robust planning, governance, and risk management frameworks
- Deliver measurable results aligned with KPIs, financial targets, and project objectives
- Oversee dependencies, scheduling, resource allocation, and budget management across multiple streams
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Stakeholder & Customer Engagement
- Translate scientific requirements into actionable project plans with internal technical leads
- Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners (government, industry, research collaborators)
- Ensure customer acceptance and compliance with contract/grant terms
- Provide clear reporting to senior leadership and governance bodies
- Manage supplier and partner relationships to guarantee quality, performance, and timely delivery
Risk, Quality & Compliance
- Operate within NPL’s project governance, commercial controls, and assurance frameworks
- Proactively identify and mitigate risks
- Champion quality, safety, and continuous improvement
- Support assurance activities at key decision points for compliance and delivery confidence
Leadership & Capability Development
- Lead Operations, Quality, and H&S teams, coaching technical staff to ensure safe, efficient, high-quality delivery
- Promote best practices in project management (tools, methodologies)
- Contribute to portfolio-wide planning, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making principles
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Skills & Experience Required
Essential
- Significant experience managing large, complex technical/scientific projects
- Proven expertise in project governance, including risk and financial controls (e.g., stage-gated delivery)
- Strong stakeholder engagement at executive levels
- Outstanding communication, negotiation, and influencing capabilities
- Analytical problem-solving skills
Desirable
- Professional project management certification (e.g., APM PMQ/PPQ, PRINCE2, MSP, or PMP)
- Background in R&D, engineering, scientific environments, or public sector programmes
- Knowledge of metrology, national laboratories, or government-funded science
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary or matrix teams
Why Join NPL?
- Contribute to world-class scientific impact shaping national capability
- Enjoy hybrid working and flexible arrangements
- Access professional development and funded training
- Be part of an inclusive, collaborative culture
Security Clearance Required
Applicants will undergo BPSS security vetting—this applies strictly to certain departments. Throughout recruitment, you will be asked about nationality, residency, and security eligibility.
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