Project/Programme Manager - R&D in Cambridge

Company Profile

Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, is a world leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and augmented reality systems. Our award-winning technologies are trusted by defence, security, and industrial customers in over 70 countries. With in-house R&D, cutting-edge innovation, and a global reputation for quality, we design and manufacture solutions that perform in the toughest environments.

About You

Role Overview

This is a pivotal role within the Engineering and R&D organisation, responsible for both hands-on project management and strategic programme oversight. The Project/Programme Manager will coordinate delivery across multiple technical teams, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in line with Thermoteknix’ strategic priorities. The role combines day-to-day project management activities, such as scheduling, progress tracking, and risk management. The position includes higher-level responsibilities including portfolio planning, cross-project alignment, and reporting to senior stakeholders. You will act as the central point of coordination for R&D project delivery, driving clarity, communication and accountability across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Management

• Administering multiple R&D and engineering projects from initiation through to completion.
• Supporting project scopes, deliverables, timelines and resource requirements in collaboration with technical leads.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, risk registers and progress reports.
• Coordinate and lead project meetings, ensuring actions and dependencies are tracked and resolved.
• Support engineers and design teams in achieving project objectives, ensuring alignment with technical and commercial requirements.
• Tracking budgets, schedules, and stakeholder expectations at the project level.

• Deliver the status of broader portfolio of R&D projects to key stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment and effective resource utilisation.
• Establish and maintain programme-level reporting, governance and review structures.
• Identify inter-project dependencies, risks and opportunities for efficiency or collaboration.
• Support the prioritisation of projects in line with business objectives and available capacity.
• Consolidate programme metrics and communicate progress to senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement in project and programme management processes, tools and communication standards across the department.

• Liaise with Product Management, Operations, and Commercial teams to ensure project outcomes meet business needs.
• Facilitate effective communication across technical, managerial, and stakeholder groups.
• Champion structured project delivery and promote a culture of accountability and transparency within R&D.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in project and/or programme management roles within technical, engineering, or R&D environments (e.g., electronics, optics, imaging, or related fields).
• Strong understanding of engineering development lifecycles, from concept through to production.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining oversight of the broader programme landscape.
• Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills.
• Skilled in risk management, dependency tracking and stakeholder reporting.
• Proficiency in project management tools such as MS Project, Jira, or equivalent.
• Degree or HNC/HND ideally in an Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics, or similar discipline.
• Relevant qualifications (e.g. PRINCE2, MSP, PMP, Agile).

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, methodical, and adaptable – equally comfortable managing detailed technical projects and coordinating high-level programme delivery.
• Strategic thinker who can see the bigger picture while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, able to influence and collaborate across disciplines.
• Comfortable introducing and refining structured processes within a growing organisation.
• Self-starter with a commitment to quality, accountability and continuous improvement.

Why us? What We Offer

• Involvement in cutting-edge imaging technologies.
• Collaborative working environment with strong technical expertise.
• Training and career development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.