Project Manager (Leading to Programme Manager)
Location: Hybrid – Weymouth & Home Based (with some travel as required)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday with flexibility
Company: Solsta Manufacturing, part of Solid-State plc
Help shape the future of innovative engineering projects
At Solsta, we work at the forefront of specialist optoelectronics and sensor manufacturing, supporting customers across sectors including medical, defence, industrial technology, biotechnology and advanced engineering.
As part of the Solid-State plc Group, we combine the agility of a specialist manufacturer with the strength, stability and international reach of a growing technology business.
We are now looking for an experienced Project Manager to take ownership of a portfolio of technically complex customer-funded design and manufacturing projects — with a clear progression path into a broader Programme Manager role.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in driving structured project delivery, cross-functional coordination and process excellence across our manufacturing operation.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Commercial Manager – Manufacturing, you will be responsible for leading the successful delivery of multiple engineering and development projects from initiation through to manufacturing handover.
Working closely with engineering, quality, supply chain, manufacturing and commercial teams, you will ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with customer expectations and regulatory requirements.
You will also play a significant role in strengthening project governance, supporting ISO13485-aligned NPD/NPI processes and helping to build a more mature programme management framework as the business continues to grow.
What You Will Be Doing
* Managing the full lifecycle delivery of multiple technical engineering projects
* Coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure efficient, compliant project execution
* Monitoring timelines, budgets, resources, risks and project dependencies
* Supporting and maintaining structured NPD/NPI project governance processes
* Providing clear reporting and updates to senior stakeholders and customers
* Ensuring smooth transition of projects from design into manufacturing
* Supporting continuous improvement in project delivery standards, reporting and PMO discipline
* Building strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external customers
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking a confident and organised project professional who can bring structure, pace and visibility to technically demanding programmes.
You Will Ideally Have
* A degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline
* At least 5 years’ project management experience within a technical or engineering-led environment
* Recognised project management qualification such as PRINCE2 or APM PMP or PMQ
* Experience delivering projects within regulated or high-compliance sectors such as medical, defence, biotech or aerospace
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
* Excellent planning, analytical and problem-solving capability
* Experience using project management tools such as MS Project, JIRA or SmartSheet
Most importantly, you will be someone who enjoys bringing order to complexity, driving accountability and helping teams deliver at their best.
Why join us?
At Solsta, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer the opportunity to work on innovative and meaningful engineering programmes within a collaborative and supportive culture.
This role offers genuine long-term progression into Programme Management as the business expands its customer project portfolio.
Our Benefits Include
* Competitive salary depending on qualifications and experience
* 25 days holiday rising to 26 days after five years’ service, plus bank holidays
* Annual discretionary bonus
* Pension scheme – 5% employee / 4% employer via salary sacrifice
* Employee Share Scheme after 12 months’ service
* Westfield Healthcare scheme including:
* Health Cash Plan for you and dependants
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Discounted gym membership
* Retail and travel discounts
* Wellbeing App
* Ongoing development opportunities relevant to your role
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