Project Manager – Medical Device Testing (Shawbury)
Are you an experienced project manager with a scientific or engineering background, ready to take on complex, high-value projects within the fast-paced world of medical device testing. Smithers MDT, a global leader in life sciences and analytical testing, is looking for a Project Manager to join our dynamic team at our Shawbury site. This is an exciting opportunity to work across both UK and European operations, supporting cutting-edge projects and driving operational excellence.
As a Project Manager, you will play a pivotal role in the end-to-end management of client projects, from proposal through to delivery. You’ll be responsible for preparing quotes, managing scope changes, and hosting programme management calls with clients, often liaising with technical and commercial stakeholders alike. Your ability to combine technical insight with commercial awareness will be key in delivering high-value proposals and ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget.
You’ll thrive in this role if you’re naturally proactive, highly organised, and confident working independently. Our ideal candidate will bring at least four years of experience in a technical or project management role, ideally within a scientific, engineering, or quality-driven environment. A degree in a relevant discipline such as Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Forensic Science, or Mechanical Engineering is preferred, but equivalent industry experience is also welcome.
In this role, you’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams across our laboratories in the UK and Europe, support improvements to internal systems and processes, and contribute to profitability reviews and strategic analysis. You’ll also represent Smithers MDT at conferences and exhibitions, helping to raise our profile within the industry. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain international exposure, with occasional travel to client sites, tradeshows and industry events across Europe and beyond.
To succeed, you’ll need strong communication skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a commercial environment. Experience with client communication, risk assessments, CRM and PM software, and an understanding of medical device testing or laboratory practices would be a strong advantage. Foreign language skills such as French, German, or Spanish would also be beneficial, though not essential.
At Smithers, you’ll be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team with access to a range of benefits including private BUPA medical insurance, a competitive salary, life insurance, and a generous pension scheme. We are proud to support the personal and professional development of our people, and we value curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
If you\'re looking for a meaningful role where science meets strategy, and where your expertise will make a real impact—then we’d love to hear from you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Life Sciences in Shrewsbury
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Smithers. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Smithers!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Smithers that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Smithers.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Smithers does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smithers
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Smithers. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Smithers's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Smithers. This shows your passion for the industry!
