Project Manager

Project Manager – Lab Systems & OT Security

Location: Abingdon, Oxford (OX14)

Job Type: Contract (6+ months)

DAY RATE CONTRACT INSIDE I35

Working Pattern: Office-based (5 days on-site)

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of a complex Lab Systems & Operational Technology (OT) Security programme within a global life sciences environment.

This is a hands-on delivery role responsible for managing multiple concurrent workstreams across UK and US sites. You will coordinate cross-functional teams, manage programme plans and dependencies, monitor risks, and provide clear reporting to stakeholders at all levels. The role requires excellent organisational skills, strong stakeholder management, and the ability to keep a large-scale technical programme on track.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the overall programme plan across multiple security workstreams.
• Manage project schedules, milestones, dependencies, and deliverables using recognised project management tools.
• Maintain RAID logs and proactively identify, track, and escalate risks and issues.
• Coordinate Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, stand-ups, and retrospectives.
• Manage and prioritise the programme backlog in collaboration with engineering and business teams.
• Produce regular status reports, dashboards, and presentations for senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate activities across technical teams, business stakeholders, and third-party vendors.
• Track programme dependencies and ensure timely resolution of blockers.
• Support change management activities, including planning and coordinating hypercare following key project milestones.
• Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned and programme governance.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing complex IT or technology programmes in enterprise environments.
• Strong knowledge of project planning, RAID management, dependency tracking, and milestone reporting.
• Experience using project management tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or similar.
• Good understanding of Agile and Waterfall delivery methodologies.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience facilitating project meetings, workshops, and governance forums.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience with Confluence and ServiceNow is advantageous.
• Exposure to cybersecurity, OT environments, laboratory systems, Active Directory, CrowdStrike, or BeyondTrust would be beneficial but is not essential.
• PRINCE2, PMP, CAPM, SAFe, or equivalent project management certification is desirable.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will be a proactive and collaborative Project Manager who thrives in fast-paced environments. You'll be confident managing competing priorities, influencing stakeholders without direct authority, and ensuring complex programmes are delivered successfully through strong planning, communication, and governance.

If you're an experienced Project Manager looking to join a high-profile technology and security transformation programme within the life sciences sector, we'd like to hear from you.