R&D and Innovation Project Manager

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey at the forefront of space technology and innovation?

SSTL is a world-renowned small satellite company dedicated to shaping the future of commercial space exploration, Earth observation, and the future sustainability of space. As a R&D and Innovation Project Manager in our dynamic organisation, you will be instrumental in driving and delivering cutting-edge projects that not only advance the boundaries of space technology but also make a profound impact on vital sectors such as Environmental Monitoring, Defence & Security, exploration, communications, and Maritime industries.

We are looking for a seasoned and passionate Project Manager who has the skills and motivation to lead SSTLs research and product development projects and studies with a strong desire to take new ideas through to future products and services that support our Institutional, Export and Defence business streams. From Day 1 you will be part of a culture that fosters creativity and thrives on innovation. You will be an integral part of the business working closely across our teams, and our research & technology partners to push the boundaries of what is possible. Your expertise will be essential in ensuring project success, and exceeding customer expectations at every opportunity.

Key Tasks

Role to include, but not limited to:

• Day-to-day management of the project(s) to ensure adherence in line with the baseline plan, with the expectation on strong leadership, motivation and being the driving force behind the engineering delivery.
• Manage project(s) from contract commencement through development of technologies and new mission concepts to our customers internal and external.
• To be responsible for all aspects of the project(s), working in accordance with the established procedures & processes developed within SSTL (including schedules, deliverables lists, management plans, management of risks, technical maturity gates, earned value management, etc)
• Clear communication and coordination between the multiple stakeholders, including Engineering Functional Managers, Heads of Engineering, Project Accounting, Commercial teams and SSTL’s Leadership Team
• Complete management of the project reviews, identifying clear objectives, inputs, outputs, success criteria and ensuring successful outcomes to secure corresponding customer payment milestones
• Management of the project key risks to ensure that risks are identified and captured with measurable and appropriate mitigation actions in place and driven through the project work package structure.
• Monitoring and control of the project finances (ensuring contingency remains commensurate with weighted risk exposure, cost to complete, profit take) to ensure the project is delivered within the agreed budget.
• Preparation of cost packs in support of business development activities
• Supporting SSTL bids providing programmatic solutions into the Bid Manager, covering deliverables, schedule, costs, risks and customer interactions

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Previous Experience

• Proven experience in project management specifically in setting up, running and successfully delivering projects, ideally in a satellite or high-tech industry.

Proven experience of interfacing with customers

• Good experience of implementing contracts

• Familiarity with work package systems and matrix management structures

Qualifications Knowledge & Skills

• A degree or equivalent in an engineering discipline would be preferable.
• Outstanding people management skills, able to motivate in a team-oriented, collaborative environment and lead the team.
• Leadership, having the ability run multiple complex development programmes and to interface with others at all levels through the business.
• Excellent Inter-personal and communication skills, able to influence, persuade and negotiate with people at all levels (externally & internally) as well as to assist in reaching compromises when there are conflicting requirements.
• High degree of organisation, self-motivation autonomous working and initiative
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Results orientated with a strong drive to deliver.
• Pro-active and able to take initiative.
• Decision making and creative problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and to tight timescales.
• Ability to work closely with technical teams to understand and grasp concepts and issues and translate those to schedule and cost impacts with a balanced approach to risk.
• Ability to produce and maintain a risk register and to communicate the philosophy on risk.
• Ability to understand commercial terms and translate those into impacts on project.
• Ability to create a project plan and to translate that into a project schedule within MS Project
• Understanding of contracts and product assurance plans
• Good knowledge of MS Office Excel, Word and PowerPoint and particularly Microsoft Project
• Able to demonstrate company mindsets and behaviours; Be accountable, Drive & delivery, communicate effectively, Self-manage effectively, Work as one team.

Location

SSTL prides itself on being a super flexible company. The role is based in our Head Office in Guildford but we fully support hybrid working and a range of flexible working options.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes 32 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays, Pension Scheme with Life Assurance, Private Medical & International Travel Insurance, Annual Bonus Scheme, Share Incentive Plan, Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Shared Parental Pay for new parents, High Street Discount Scheme and many more!