Project Manager

Aircraft Research Association (ARA) is a unique SME and the UK's leading independent transonic wind tunnel with a passionate workforce of engineering and aerodynamic professionals. We are a leading specialist in aerodynamic research providing complementary services and solutions to international aerospace and defence clients. Our clients include Saab, Bombardier, Boeing, Turkish Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Comac and BAE Systems.

Typical projects include producing scaled-down military and civilian aircraft models, comprising multiple parts, which are assembled together and used as highly accurate forces/pressures measuring devices within the on-site high-speed (transonic) wind tunnel.

Our site in Bedford centres around our impressive transonic wind tunnel - the equipment which drives it - whilst the research performed is often unique to ARA and involves many bespoke processes.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Project Manager to join our ARA team. Reporting to the Head of Project Management, this role will work closely with a team consisting of technical SMEs, finance, commercial and procurement to ensure the bid team are focused on the development of compelling, innovative and class leading proposals to meet submission deadlines.

Salary: £45,000 - £55,000

Typical Hours: Full time, 38 hours per week

This is a varied and demanding role and it involves a number of duties and responsibilities:

1. Coordinate the efforts of project teams to deliver business benefits from a portfolio or programme of constituent projects.
2. Act as the prime point of contact with internal client representatives, in close liaison with the project technical manager(s).
3. Capture and manage project requirements and prepare project justification/business case documentation, in coordination with project technical managers and resource managers.
4. Understand the portfolio and/or programme risks, resource requirements and schedule constraints including interactions both within the portfolio or programme and the wider business.
5. Ensure the project baseline is effective with key assumptions and risks made clear, taking advantage of lessons learned from previous projects as well as advice from colleagues, providing a sound basis for change management.
6. Prepare a work breakdown structure and resource estimate supported by the technical manager(s) and technical experts as required.
7. Work with project, technical and resource managers to prepare and manage against schedules including stage gates and milestones.
8. Prepare and implement a communications plan with details of how the team will send, receive and share information including formats, timing and methods, respecting stakeholder requirements.
9. Monitor and control the project, address issues with the help of the project team and other colleagues and lead the implementation of the change management process as necessary.
10. Support the Bid Manager in the preparation of bids, supported by project and technical managers, including: estimating, risk management, planning (including preparation of product and work breakdown structures and schedules), proposal preparation and presentation.

What We Are Looking For In You:

1. A university degree or equivalent skills and experience in an engineering or technically demanding discipline.
2. A project management qualification is beneficial, however demonstrated experience managing complex projects is more important so this should not be a bar for candidates who are clearly capable.
3. The ability to understand a technical narrative with guidance from technical experts.
4. Excellent communications skills using spoken and written English.
5. Demonstrated leadership experience of technical projects with a record of delivering within challenging time, quality and cost targets. Commercial experience is also desirable including meaningful involvement with managing customers.
6. A minimum of 2 years' high-quality experience in project management.

Our Benefits:

This is an exciting permanent opportunity for the right person to be part of a successful and highly skilled engineering company. In return, we offer a range of benefits including: a competitive salary and pension scheme; free parking; optional participation in the BAE shares scheme; employee assistance programme; private health insurance and 26 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing with length of service after 5 years' service).

The successful candidate must satisfy security clearance requirements - including the last 5 years continual UK residency.

Aircraft Research Association Ltd is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise the value in an inclusive and diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified people.

If you think you are the person we are looking for, please complete the form below.