Project Manager

About Plessey

We’re building the hardware foundation for next-era computing.

Plessey is a world-leading technology company driving the next generation of photonic devices and systems. With over 70 years of innovation, we combine research, materials science, process engineering, and manufacturing under one roof. We’re recognised as a global authority in microLED displays, optical computing, and optical interconnects.

Join us to work on breakthrough technologies shaping the future of light-based technology and computing.

Lead

We don’t follow industry trends; we create them, pushing boundaries and setting standards others aspire to. Every team member has the power to make decisions, drive change, and deliver excellence. We support each other, challenge one another for the best solutions, and lead by example. Together, we build industries and technologies that shape the future and scale toward our vision of the next era of computing.

Grow

We expand our capabilities every day — deepening our expertise, improving how we work, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Curiosity fuels us: we question assumptions, explore new ideas, and innovate with light-based technologies. By investing in and empowering our people, we strengthen Plessey’s impact and help shape the future of optical technology.

Trust

We operate like a family—honest, reliable, and supportive. We have each other’s backs, own our actions, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and safety. We trust each other to deliver, our customers to challenge us, and our expertise to guide the way. Together, trust enables the collaboration essential for breakthrough innovation and lasting impact.

Location

Located at our head office and state-of-the-art fabrication facility in Plymouth.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, technology-driven organisation as a Project Manager, where you will play a pivotal role in delivering cutting-edge technology development and New Product Introduction (NPI) programmes.Leading cross-functional teams, you will be responsible for driving projects from concept through to successful delivery. Working closely with technical experts and key stakeholders, you will ensure projects are executed efficiently, on time, and in line with the company’s strategic objectives.This is a highly visible role, interacting with and influencing stakeholders at all levels of the business and with external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Programme Director, you will collaborate closely with the technical team to define project specifications, deliverables, milestones, and critical path activities, while actively monitoring progress and status.
• Join a growing, fast-paced environment where your contributions have a direct impact on developing the technologies of the future.
• Proactively manage risks to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards.
• Apply project management frameworks such as FTTM (Fast Time to Market) and leverage collaboration tools including MS Project, MES systems, and PLM platforms to plan, track, and deliver complex technical projects.
• Support the Programme Director with budgets and spend, ensuring cost control and financial accountability across all activities.
• Leading multidisciplinary technical teams, driving accountability and facilitating effective team decision-making, balancing competing priorities, following escalation processes.
• Partner with functional managers to secure the right resources, ensuring timely delivery and seamless plan integration.
• Follow Plessey’s internal project gate procedures and processes to maintain consistency and quality.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, keeping the team and management informed with timely, accurate updates.
• Maintain awareness of other projects across the organisation to understand priorities and contribute to overall strategic alignment.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance frameworks, as well as health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A degree in Physics, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• 2–3 years of relevant project management experience in a fast-paced technology environment is highly desirable, however candidates with a strong technical background and experience in planning or coordinating projects will also be considered, even without formal project management credentials.
• Familiarity with engineering tools or PLM platforms and with Risk & issue tracking tools.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage technical teams and senior management both internally and externally.
• Self-motivated and results-driven, capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities under pressure.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven strengths in delivering results, taking initiative, and communicating effectively.
• Skilled at problem-solving, prioritising work, negotiating, resolving conflicts, and making decisions under uncertainty while building trust and team alignment.

Advantage

• Industry experience within micro fabrication, semiconductor processing, optics/photonics, or display technologies would be an advantage.
• Formal training in project management methodologies is desirable but not essential.
• Customer-facing experience is an advantage.