Project Manager

Role Purpose

As a vital member of the Project Management team reporting to the IPT Lead, the Project Manager will oversee the successful execution of designated projects encompassing engineering developments, contract deliverables, and milestone achievements. This position entails control over cost, schedule, quality, and technical aspects while managing critical communications and decisions involving both internal and external stakeholders. The role also involves close collaboration with Operations to facilitate customer-facing activities like acceptance testing and ensuring delivery aligns with contractual commitments. The portfolio may include both customer contracts and internal development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Initiate new projects with thorough preparation by developing essential project documents such as master schedules, resource plans, stage plans, and budgets for each phase.
• Maintain effective communication channels with stakeholders, accurately capturing requirements, managing expectations, and engaging all involved parties. Keep detailed logs of meetings, decisions, and communications impacting commercial outcomes.
• Ensure compliance and progress tracking by managing key project management artifacts including Master Schedule, Project Management Plan, Statement of Work/Contract Compliance Matrix, and adherence to Chess Business Processes.
• Liaise with operations to coordinate delivery of new and build-to-print projects, updating customers routinely and facilitating their involvement in acceptance testing processes.
• Work closely with engineering leads and department heads to define critical project success factors and accurately identify resource and skill requirements to be fulfilled.
• Collaborate with the project engineering team and senior reviewers to guarantee adherence to design processes and achievement of stage gates per schedule.
• Maintain centralized residual action logs, ensuring all tasks are recorded and closed appropriately.
• Lead risk management activities aligned with company procedures and customer requirements.
• Partner with Finance to prepare monthly project reports, including revenue trading plans, estimates at completion, estimates to complete, and margin forecasts for senior management.
• Ensure proper controls are in place by coordinating with colleagues on production, data management, invoicing, shipping, and export regulations.
• Gather and document lessons learned throughout project execution and closure for continuous process and personnel improvements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Offer support to colleagues in achieving project milestones and deliverables as needed.
• Develop comprehensive knowledge of all Chess products delivered.
• Maintain a solid understanding of all engineering and development processes pertinent to project execution.
• Contribute actively to ongoing business improvement efforts.
• Complete required administrative tasks timely and accurately, including weekly timesheets, status reports, and mandatory annual compliance training modules.

Essential Skills & Experience

• At least three years of project management experience within an engineering environment.
• Proficient in managing stakeholders including international customers and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Competent in developing and maintaining project plans using Microsoft Project or equivalent tools.
• Experienced in creating project and financial reporting.
• Capable of traveling domestically and internationally as required (possessing a valid driving license and passport).
• Maintain eligibility for holding baseline UK Security Clearance.

Personal Attributes

• Strong organizational skills with expertise in managing time, risk, and cost efficiently.
• Embodies company values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Courage.
• Employs a methodical and detail-oriented approach to project activities.
• Ability to work autonomously as needed.
• Flexibility, conscientiousness, and diligence in work attitude.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and written skills.
• Resilient and adaptable mindset.

Work-Life Balance

• Standard 37.5-hour workweek.
• Early finish on Fridays at lunchtime.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements available.
• 28 days of annual leave.
• Company-wide Christmas closure.
• Option to purchase additional holiday leave.

Benefits

• Group pension scheme with matched contributions up to 5%.
• Income protection plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing access to GP services, second opinions, mental health support, and physiotherapy consultations.
• Life assurance plan including bereavement counselling and probate support.
• Company share incentive and save-as-you-earn schemes.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice option.
• Wellbeing initiatives, including app access and mental health support, alongside regular wellness activities.
• Sports and social club events.
• Discounted gym memberships.
• Rewards platform offering high street discounts, employee benefits, and health & wellbeing offerings.
• Referral bonus programme for recruitment.
• Extensive learning and development opportunities.
• Quality working environment with free onsite parking at all locations.

Security Clearance Requirements

Due to business nature, employees must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance. Successful candidates will be required to provide proof of identity, employment history, right to work in the UK, and evidence of UK residency for a minimum of five years.