Project Manager

About the Role

Who sets the standards, to ensure that anything that can be measured is done so with consistency and reliability? We do. Through our vital research, the National Physical Laboratory is helping support scientific and commercial innovations, international trade, environmental protection and health and wellbeing.

T o achieve our ambitions, we need to continually evolve. As a Project Manager within our Transformation and Change Team, you’ll help facilitate change so that we continue to grow and do better. At NPL, we touch ordinary lives in extraordinary ways and you could too.

We’re constantly pushing boundaries. It means we need to review how we work on an ongoing basis. With new change projects being implemented all the time, you’ll take control of delivery plans – ensuring key stakeholders are engaged and prepared for the future. Overseeing every aspect (from facilitating meetings, to tracking risks, critical paths, milestones and dependencies, as well as monitoring and reporting on progress), you’ll see that your projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the highest standards. As an advocate of the use of best-practice project management methodologies, you will integrate new and improved approaches as and when appropriate.

About You

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the UK’s National Metrology Institute, delivering world‑leading measurement science to support innovation, industry, and national priorities. Our people work on cutting‑edge programmes that shape the future—advancing technology, enabling scientific breakthroughs, and delivering impact for society.

As a Project Manager, you will lead complex, high‑value, multi‑disciplinary programmes that sit at the heart of NPL’s mission.

Role Purpose

To provide project leadership across a portfolio of projects in the Quantum Programme, ensuring delivery to scope, time, cost, and quality. You will work with senior stakeholders, principal scientists, commercial partners, and government customers to drive successful outcomes and strengthen NPL’s project delivery capability.

Programme Allocation

We’re seeking an exceptional project manager to spearhead high-impact initiatives within our quantum technologies portfolio. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of quantum technologies, working at the intersection of science, policy, and international collaboration.

Working Pattern

This role requires onsite presence at least 3 days per week, working collaboratively with cross‑functional teams, stakeholders, and laboratory-based colleagues.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead complex, cross‑functional projects from initiation to closure.
• Develop robust project plans, governance structures, and risk strategies.
• Ensure successful delivery against programme objectives, KPIs, and financial targets.
• Manage dependencies, schedule, resources, and budget across multiple streams.
• Take a proactive, solutions‑focused approach to overcoming delivery challenges.

Stakeholder & Customer Engagement

• Partner with internal technical leads to translate scientific requirements into deliverable plans.
• Build relationships with external customers (e.g. government, industry, research collaborators).
• Provide clear reporting and communication to senior leadership and governance boards.

Risk, Quality & Compliance

• Operate within NPL project governance frameworks, commercial controls, and assurance processes.
• Proactively identify, escalate, and resolve risks and issues, driving timely mitigation.
• Champion quality, safety, and continuous improvement across delivery teams.

Leadership & Capability Development

• Drive adoption of best practices in project management, tools, and methodologies.
• Contribute to portfolio‑level planning, resourcing, and strategic decision-making.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

• Experience managing large, complex technical or scientific projects.
• Project governance expertise (e.g. stage‑gated delivery, risk & financial controls).
• Excellent stakeholder engagement at senior levels.
• Highly effective communicator with strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Proactive mindset with a strong track record of problem‑solving and driving outcomes.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability.

Desirable:

• Professional project management qualification (e.g. APM PMQ/PPQ, PRINCE2, MSP, PMP).
• Experience in R&D, engineering, scientific environments, or public‑sector programmes.
• Understanding of metrology, national laboratories, or government‑funded research.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary or matrix teams.

What We Offer

• Meaningful work that contributes to national capability and scientific excellence.
• Hybrid working with a balance of onsite and remote working ( minimum 3 days onsite ).
• Professional development and funded training.
• Inclusive and collaborative culture.
• Excellent benefits package including pension, healthcare options, and generous leave.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition . Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.