At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead delivery of cutting-edge unmanned vehicles across R&D, engineering, and production.
- Company: Fast-growing global robotics and aerospace company pushing technological boundaries.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on innovative projects.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the exciting field of robotics and unmanned vehicles.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in project management with strong experience in complex product delivery.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
SYOS is a fast-growing global robotics and aerospace company, driving the development of cutting-edge uncrewed vehicles (drones) across air, land, and sea for dual-use applications. We are committed to pushing technological boundaries and delivering exceptional products that consistently exceed customer expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Delivery Leadership & Planning: Lead UK delivery across R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, Production, Quality and Test/Commissioning, plus external suppliers and service providers. Capture, baseline and manage delivery requirements; translate them into an integrated plan with milestones, readiness gates, and acceptance criteria. Own the integrated schedule and critical path (baseline, progress tracking, decision points and recovery actions). Own budget tracking and delivery reporting across cost, schedule, scope, quality and risk. Manage RAID (risks, assumptions, issues and dependencies), drive mitigations to closure and escalate early with options. Drive change control with impact assessment, approvals and re-baselining as required. Own Jira delivery management (roadmaps, epics, cross-team dependencies and dashboards) and maintain delivery process discipline. Plan and oversee commissioning and acceptance, including readiness reviews, test schedules, defect triage and handover packs. Oversee prototype/system testing: ensure procedures are followed, results are captured accurately, and defects are prioritised to closure.
- Documentation, Governance & Continuous Improvement: Establish and run the project governance cadence (planning, delivery, supplier reviews, gates) to drive decisions, manage risks and remove blockers.
- Test, Acceptance & Handover: Maintain delivery documentation and handover packs (plans, requirements/specifications, test reports, acceptance evidence) and apply appropriate controls for sensitive/proprietary information. Identify opportunities to improve delivery processes and working practices; contribute to team standards and best practices. Act as the single point of accountability for UK delivery performance and stakeholder communication.
Qualifications & Experience
- Strong experience delivering end-to-end products from planning through build/integration to commissioning, acceptance and operational handover.
- Proven capability owning schedule and budget, running RAID, and driving change control in a high-tempo environment.
- Understanding of R&D and product development lifecycles, including requirements/specification management, test evidence, delivery documentation, and transition to production/production readiness.
- Supplier/procurement coordination experience (lead times, expediting, quality and logistics); comfortable working with yards/sites where required.
- Excellent stakeholder management, including customer-facing communication and confident escalation to protect delivery outcomes.
- Domain experience in maritime, defence, autonomy/robotics or other high-reliability regulated industries is strongly preferred.
- Strong commercial awareness (cost tracking, variations/change, supplier performance management).
Required
- Recognised PM qualification (APM or equivalent such as PRINCE2 Practitioner, MSP, AgilePM, or PMI).
- 5+ years’ experience delivering complex, multi-disciplinary products or programmes (hardware/robotics/aerospace/defence experience advantageous).
Desirable Certifications
- APM/PRINCE2 (or equivalent).
- AgilePM or Scrum (PSM/CSM).
- MoR.
Security Requirement
To be eligible for this role, you must be able to meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). This includes confirming your identity, legal right to work in the UK, recent employment history, and criminal record (unspent convictions only).
Lead Project Manager — Unmanned Surface Vehicles in Fareham employer: Syos Aerospace
At SYOS, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the robotics and aerospace sector, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a culture that encourages creative problem-solving. Located in the UK, we provide our team with the chance to work on groundbreaking projects in unmanned surface vehicles, all while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values work-life balance and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Project Manager — Unmanned Surface Vehicles in Fareham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially in robotics and aerospace. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions and scenarios related to project management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Project Manager — Unmanned Surface Vehicles in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex projects, especially in robotics or aerospace. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at SYOS!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about uncrewed vehicles and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about working with cutting-edge technology.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead projects successfully. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact—numbers speak volumes and help us understand your contributions better!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our innovative team at SYOS!
How to prepare for a job interview at Syos Aerospace
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of unmanned surface vehicles and the specific technologies involved. Brush up on your knowledge of R&D processes, project management methodologies like Agile or PRINCE2, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed complex projects in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Project Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've led cross-functional teams, managed stakeholders, and driven projects to successful completion. Highlight your experience with RAID management and change control to show you're ready for the challenges ahead.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to project delivery and risk management. Think about how you would handle issues like budget overruns or delays in the supply chain. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication is key in this role, especially when dealing with stakeholders and suppliers. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms and be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated project updates and risks in the past. Confidence in your delivery will make a great impression!
