Software-Focused Project Manager
Location: Cambridge (Hybrid - minimum 3 days onsite)
Sector: Defence / Advanced Engineering

The Opportunity

An established engineering and technology consultancy is looking to hire an experienced Software-Focused Project Manager to lead the delivery of complex, software-heavy engineering programmes.
This role is ideal for someone who started their career in embedded/software engineering and has since moved into project management. You’ll be working in a busy, fee-for-service environment where projects vary from short feasibility studies to multi-year programmes involving cross-disciplinary engineering teams.
The work is highly customer-facing, technically demanding, and hands-on. You won’t be hidden behind layers of process or large support teams - ownership, accountability, and pace are key.

Please note: Most projects sit within the defence sector. Candidates must be comfortable working in this environment and ideally eligible for UK Eyes Only work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading the end-to-end delivery of software-led engineering projects, often alongside electronics and embedded systems teams
• Managing multiple projects concurrently, ranging from small feasibility studies to large programmes
• Acting as the primary point of contact for customers, maintaining strong relationships and clear communication at all levels
• Owning project schedules, budgets, resources, risks, and change control alongside a technical lead
• Driving high performance within project teams through clear leadership, motivation, and problem-solving
• Applying structured delivery approaches including Agile, WBS, and Microsoft Project
• Ensuring robust governance, reporting, and project controls throughout the lifecycle
• Supporting continuous improvement of delivery processes, particularly around software development lifecycle (SDLC) best practices
• Working closely with sales and engineering leadership to scope work, estimate cost and timelines, and support proposal development

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience delivering complex software development projects
• A background in embedded software or software engineering before moving into project management
• Experience working in consultancy or fee-for-service environments
• Comfortable operating at pace and taking ownership beyond pure project coordination (e.g. procurement, commercial awareness)
• Strong understanding of modern software engineering practices such as version control, CI/CD, and testing frameworks
• Confident communicator, able to engage credibly with engineers, customers, and senior stakeholders
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to lead and influence technical teams
• Familiarity with tools such as Agile, Jira, Confluence, Git, and Microsoft Project
• A relevant technical degree

Working Arrangements & Travel

• Hybrid working with at least 3 days per week onsite
• UK and occasional international travel to support project delivery and customer engagement.

Interview Process

• Stage 1: Teams interview with senior leadership
• Stage 2: Onsite interview (2-2.5 hours) including a site tour and meetings with technical stakeholders