Technical Project Manager in Oxford

Mind Foundry works on some of the most complex and urgent challenges in Defence and National Security. We specialise in supporting customers across the community to make sense at the speed of relevance from the ever-increasing volumes of data collected by sensors and systems. We often find ourselves working at the edge in complex environments where power, compute, and bandwidth are in short supply. The work is challenging, the customer needs products and applications they can trust, and the sense of achievement for the delivery team is substantial.

We’re looking for a Technical Project Manager to manage projects across our Defence & National Security portfolio. In this role you will be accountable for ensuring projects are delivered securely, efficiently, and in alignment with mission objectives, security standards, and operational constraints. This role requires strong governance, stakeholder confidence, and proficiency operating in structured, security‑conscious environments while maintaining pace of delivery and innovation working alongside our Scientists and Engineers on deeply technical projects. This role can be office‑based or hybrid, with you expected to work from our Summertown, Oxford office at least one day per week. You will be required to travel to client sites and work at partner locations as needed. You should be willing and eligible to apply for and obtain UK security clearance if you do not hold an existing clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end project lifecycle of deeply technical projects – from pre‑project planning, mobilisation, delivery and closure. This includes risk identification, monitoring and mitigation; resourcing; performance reporting; and issue escalation.
• Successful delivery of the project outcomes, ensuring high‑quality outputs and alignment with client mission outcomes and organisational strategy.
• Team building and leadership of multiple project teams.
• Act as the primary point of contact on projects, developing and maintaining strong client and partner relationships to support project delivery and contribute to winning new business.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of best practice frameworks and methodologies for project and programme management across the company.
• Manage project budgets, including forecasting, cost tracking and escalation of financial risks.
• Maintain full project compliance with applicable government regulations, standards and internal policies.

Core Skills & Experience

• Proven project management experience and delivery within a defence or national security environment.
• Formal project management credentials such as APM Qualification, PRINCE2 or equivalent.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to present complex information in clear, accessible formats.
• Experience managing resources and mentoring multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance.

Nice to Have

• Prior experience managing projects with a strong AI/ML focus.
• Degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or a related STEM field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Experience contributing to initiatives that support career pathways and opportunities for development and progression within the Project Management space.
• Understanding of tender assessment and supply chain management.

While we think the above experience is important, we’re keen to hear from people who believe they have valuable skills, ideas, or perspectives that will make an impact in this role. If our team and mission resonate with you, but you do not necessarily meet all our requirements, we still encourage you to apply.

What do we offer?

We believe in investing in our people by encouraging career and personal development that aligns with your goals and ambitions. We make sure all staff have the tools, time and support they need to shape their own professional development. We want to help you excel at what you do and support your growth within the company. You’ll enjoy a competitive compensation package and great benefits such as:

• Hybrid working (some roles may require full time onsite attendance)
• Flexible hours
• Professional and personal development
• 25 days of annual leave (plus Bank Holidays and a company‑wide break over Christmas)
• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution (minimum 5% employee contribution)
• Private Healthcare (including dental and optical cover)
• Group Life Cover at three times your annual salary once you pass your probation period
• Enhanced Parental and Sickness Leave
• Home Office Setup Allowance
• Workplace Nursery Scheme
• Pet friendly office – a lot of our team bring their dogs to work!

For more information, please visit our website www.mindfoundry.ai or email recruitment@mindfoundry.ai