Principal Project Manager

Principal Project Manager

Full-Time 55000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the HY-5 ammonia cracker programme, managing complex engineering projects and teams.
  • Company: H-Power, a pioneering clean energy company focused on zero-emissions hydrogen power.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to work on innovative projects, and potential for flexible working.
  • Other info: Initial on-site work in Dunsfold with potential for flexible arrangements after onboarding.
  • Why this job: Join a mission-driven team accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing complex engineering projects and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.

H-Power is a UK-based, AIM-listed clean energy company developing zero-emissions hydrogen power systems.

Using ammonia to produce low-carbon hydrogen at the point of need, and fuel cells to convert it into reliable, off-grid power, H-Power offers a scalable, practical alternative to fossil fuels, serving construction, infrastructure, transport and power generation sectors.

Behind the technology is a team driven by a shared purpose: to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels.

H-Power is seeking a Principal Project Manager to take ownership of its HY-5 ammonia cracker programme, a complex, multidisciplinary engineering project.

This is a key delivery role for an experienced engineering Project Manager who can bring structure, clarity and accountability to a technically challenging programme.

You will work closely with Chief Engineers, engineering leads and the CTO, guiding the product through build, testing and validation before supporting its transition from prototype into production.

Principal Project Manager Responsibilities

  • Full ownership of the HY-5 ammonia cracker programme, including delivery plans, milestones, budgets and reporting.
  • Lead a complex, multidisciplinary project involving systems, process, mechanical, electrical and software engineering teams.
  • Create clear structure around technical dependencies, priorities, resources and decision-making.
  • Manage project risks, identify practical mitigation actions and escalate critical issues when required.
  • Drive timely engineering decisions, confidently challenging stakeholders and holding teams accountable for delivery.
  • Build trusted relationships with engineers, Chief Engineers, senior leaders, suppliers and other programme stakeholders.
  • Maintain accurate schedules, forecasts, risk registers and project reporting that stakeholders can rely on.
  • Support the programme through product build, testing, validation, productisation and eventual production.
  • Contribute to the continued improvement of H-Power's wider project-management practices and processes.

Principal Project Manager Requirements

  • Proven experience delivering complex engineering or product-development projects.
  • A proven track record of managing high-value, multimillion-pound programmes involving multiple engineering disciplines and stakeholders.
  • Strong project-management fundamentals, with the ability to bring clarity and control to complex or ambiguous environments.
  • Experience taking technically complex products through structured development, testing, compliance and industrialisation stages.
  • A confident people person who can influence without direct authority, build trust and push back constructively when required.
  • A logical, adaptable and highly organised approach, with strong attention to detail.
  • Experience within a large engineering, automotive, advanced manufacturing, energy, process or similarly regulated business would be beneficial.
  • An engineering degree is preferred, or an equivalent technical background.
  • APM accreditation is preferred; PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Project or equivalent project-planning tools.
  • Working Pattern

The successful candidate will initially be expected on site in Dunsfold four days per week for the first three to six months, allowing them to understand the technology, team and programme fully.

Greater flexibility may be available once established.

H-Power has appointed Cranleigh STEM as its exclusive RPO recruitment partner. To find out more or apply, contact Lewis at Cranleigh STEM

Principal Project Manager employer: Cranleigh Scientific

Join a well-established manufacturing business in Nottingham/Derby as a Production Operative, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to producing high-quality products. The company fosters a culture of safety and continuous improvement, offering competitive pay and a rotating shift pattern that supports work-life balance. With opportunities for training and development, this role is perfect for those looking to grow within a supportive environment that values quality and teamwork.

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Contact Details:

Cranleigh Scientific Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Project Manager

Join Engineering Meetups!

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Engage with Online Communities

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Apply Through Company Websites

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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Project Manager

Project Management
Engineering Management
Stakeholder Management
Risk Management
Budget Management
Multidisciplinary Team Leadership
Technical Dependency Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Project Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Cranleigh Scientific a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Cranleigh Scientific specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh Scientific

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Cranleigh Scientific, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Cranleigh Scientific want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.