Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D projects from concept to production, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy a culture of trust, lifelong learning, and comprehensive benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving technical excellence and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering with project management experience required.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with occasional travel; based near Rugby.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking a dynamic and technically strong R&D Portfolio Manager to oversee the end-to-end delivery of R&D projects, from concept through to production. Working closely with the General Manager, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in translating high-level technical concepts into structured, actionable development plans, driving execution, and ensuring delivery against agreed standards for quality, performance, and timelines.
This role requires a hands-on technical leader with proven experience in mechanical systems, pneumatics, electrical and electronic, basic knowledge of PLC programming and ideally gas generation technologies. Knowledge of laser applications will be considered a highly valuable asset.
Key Responsibilities
• Act as the key liaison between senior leadership and the R&D/Engineering teams to ensure projects are clearly defined, scoped, and resourced.
• Translate complex technical concepts and product ideas into structured project plans with defined objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
• Manage the R&D project portfolio, ensuring prioritisation aligns with business strategy and capacity.
• Track progress of multiple concurrent projects, identifying risks and bottlenecks early and taking proactive corrective actions.
• Ensure that all project milestones and deliverables are met on time and in accordance with quality and regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate regular reviews with cross-functional teams including Design, Engineering, Operations, and Quality to ensure alignment.
• Support the transition of projects from R&D into Production, ensuring appropriate documentation, training, and handovers are in place.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and technical excellence across project teams.
To succeed, you will need
Your role
Position Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and technically strong R&D Portfolio Manager to oversee the end-to-end delivery of R&D projects, from concept through to production. Working closely with the General Manager, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in translating high-level technical concepts into structured, actionable development plans, driving execution, and ensuring delivery against agreed standards for quality, performance, and timelines.
This role requires a hands-on technical leader with proven experience in mechanical systems, pneumatics, electrical and electronic, basic knowledge of PLC programming and ideally gas generation technologies. Knowledge of laser applications will be considered a highly valuable asset.
Key Responsibilities
• Act as the key liaison between senior leadership and the R&D/Engineering teams to ensure projects are clearly defined, scoped, and resourced.
• Translate complex technical concepts and product ideas into structured project plans with defined objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
• Manage the R&D project portfolio, ensuring prioritisation aligns with business strategy and capacity.
• Track progress of multiple concurrent projects, identifying risks and bottlenecks early and taking proactive corrective actions.
• Ensure that all project milestones and deliverables are met on time and in accordance with quality and regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate regular reviews with cross-functional teams including Design, Engineering, Operations, and Quality to ensure alignment.
• Support the transition of projects from R&D into Production, ensuring appropriate documentation, training, and handovers are in place.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and technical excellence across project teams.
To succeed, you will need
Essential:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Electronics Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Proven track record of managing complex technical projects from concept to production.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems and pneumatics.
• Solid understanding of gas generation technologies and systems.
• Demonstrated ability to convert high-level technical ideas into practical, actionable development plans.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and team coordination skills.
• Highly organised with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in project planning tools (e.g. MS Project, Monday.com, Asana, or similar).
Desirable:
• Experience with industrial laser-cutting technologies and applications.
• Background in industrial equipment, automation, or manufacturing R&D environments.
• Strong understanding of ISO standards and regulatory compliance requirements, including familiarity with frameworks such as UKCA, CE, UL, ASME, and related product development processes in regulated environments.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards it.
In return, we offer
- Culture of trust and accountability
- Lifelong learning and career growth
- Innovation powered by people
- Comprehensive compensation and benefits
- Health and well-being
Job location
The preferred location for this role is within commuting distance of Rugby. Occasional travel to suppliers, customers, or other company sites may be expected.
Contact information
Talent Acquisition Team: April Harbour
Uniting curious minds
Behind every innovative solution, there are people working together to transform the future. With careers sparked by initiative and lifelong learning, we unite curious minds, and you could be one of them.
- Functional area: Research and Development
- Country: UK – United Kingdom
- City: Rugby
- On-Site/Remote: Hybride
- Company name: Manufacturing Service Solutions Limited
#J-18808-Ljbffr
R&D Project Manager employer: Atlas Copco Holding GmbH
Contact Detail:
Atlas Copco Holding GmbH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in mechanical systems and gas generation technologies. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the R&D field, especially those who have experience in project management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects in the past. Highlight your ability to translate technical concepts into actionable plans, as this is a key requirement for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's company culture and values. Understanding our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your fit within our team.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing R&D projects, particularly in mechanical systems and pneumatics. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to translate technical concepts into actionable plans.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Clearly outline how your skills and experiences align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description, especially your project management expertise and technical knowledge.
Showcase Technical Skills: Emphasise your technical skills related to gas generation technologies and PLC programming. If you have experience with laser applications, make sure to mention it as it is considered a valuable asset for this position.
Highlight Communication Abilities: Since the role involves liaising between senior leadership and engineering teams, highlight your communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully coordinated teams and managed project expectations in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Atlas Copco Holding GmbH
✨Understand the Technical Requirements
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the technical skills required for the role, such as mechanical systems, pneumatics, and PLC programming. Brush up on gas generation technologies and laser applications, as these could be key discussion points during your interview.
✨Prepare to Discuss Project Management Experience
Be ready to share specific examples of complex projects you've managed from concept to production. Highlight your ability to translate high-level ideas into actionable plans and how you've tracked progress and mitigated risks in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a liaison between teams, strong communication is crucial. Prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively engaged stakeholders and facilitated cross-functional collaboration in previous projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Regulatory Standards
Since knowledge of ISO standards and regulatory compliance is desirable, make sure you understand the relevant frameworks like UKCA and CE. Being able to discuss how you've navigated these in past projects will set you apart.
