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- Tasks: Lead complex software projects and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams.
- Company: Established engineering consultancy in the defence sector.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development and project management required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for UK and international travel.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An established engineering and technology consultancy is looking to hire an experienced Software-Focused Project Manager to lead the delivery of complex, software-heavy engineering programmes. This role is ideal for someone who started their career in embedded/software engineering and has since moved into project management. You will be working in a busy, fee-for-service environment where projects vary from short feasibility studies to multi-year programmes involving cross-disciplinary engineering teams. The work is highly customer-facing, technically demanding, and hands-on. You won’t be hidden behind layers of process or large support teams - ownership, accountability, and pace are key.
Please note: Most projects sit within the defence sector. Candidates must be comfortable working in this environment and ideally eligible for UK Eyes Only work.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the end-to-end delivery of software-led engineering projects, often alongside electronics and embedded systems teams.
- Managing multiple projects concurrently, ranging from small feasibility studies to large programmes.
- Acting as the primary point of contact for customers, maintaining strong relationships and clear communication at all levels.
- Owning project schedules, budgets, resources, risks, and change control alongside a technical lead.
- Driving high performance within project teams through clear leadership, motivation, and problem-solving.
- Applying structured delivery approaches including Agile, WBS, and Microsoft Project.
- Ensuring robust governance, reporting, and project controls throughout the lifecycle.
- Supporting continuous improvement of delivery processes, particularly around software development lifecycle (SDLC) best practices.
- Working closely with sales and engineering leadership to scope work, estimate cost and timelines, and support proposal development.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience delivering complex software development projects.
- A background in embedded software or software engineering before moving into project management.
- Experience working in consultancy or fee-for-service environments.
- Comfortable operating at pace and taking ownership beyond pure project coordination (e.g. procurement, commercial awareness).
- Strong understanding of modern software engineering practices such as version control, CI/CD, and testing frameworks.
- Confident communicator, able to engage credibly with engineers, customers, and senior stakeholders.
- High emotional intelligence with the ability to lead and influence technical teams.
- Familiarity with tools such as Agile, Jira, Confluence, Git, and Microsoft Project.
- A relevant technical degree.
Working Arrangements & Travel
Hybrid working with at least 3 days per week onsite. UK and occasional international travel to support project delivery and customer engagement.
Interview Process
- Stage 1: Teams interview with senior leadership.
- Stage 2: Onsite interview (2-2.5 hours) including a site tour and meetings with technical stakeholders.
Software Project Manager in Cambridge employer: Vantage Consulting
Contact Detail:
Vantage Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Project Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their projects, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and even lead to referrals, which can be a game-changer in landing that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the role's requirements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Project Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Software Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in software development and project management, especially in consultancy settings. We want to see how your background aligns with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've led and how they relate to the defence sector. We love seeing your personality come through!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical skills! Highlight your familiarity with Agile, Jira, and other tools mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so show us what you’ve got!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vantage Consulting
✨Know Your Software Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your software engineering knowledge, especially if you have a background in embedded systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed and the technical challenges you faced. This will show that you can bridge the gap between engineering and project management.
✨Master the Art of Communication
As a Software Project Manager, you'll be the main point of contact for customers and stakeholders. Practice articulating complex technical concepts in simple terms. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with both technical teams and non-technical clients in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Think of instances where you've led a team through challenges or motivated them to achieve high performance. Be ready to share these stories during the interview, as strong leadership is crucial in this role. Highlight your emotional intelligence and how it has helped you influence and guide your teams.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Agile and Project Management Tools
Since the role involves using Agile methodologies and tools like Jira and Microsoft Project, make sure you're comfortable discussing how you've applied these in previous projects. If you have any certifications or training in these areas, don’t forget to mention them!
