Project Manager- Software

The Role

This role will be based at the SKAO Global Headquarters at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire, UK.

The Software Project Manager will manage the contractual and supplier relationships for the delivery of telescope construction related software products.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our colleagues while also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones; flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family‑friendly environment and much more.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

• Manage the delivery of the software products and services (major elements of highly complex projects / portfolios) through to successful completion, complying with relevant legislation, SKAO policies and frameworks.
• Actively manage budget, schedule, changes, reviews, risks and issues and perform regular reporting and variance analysis within SKAO’s governance framework aligned with the Low and Mid telescope delivery schedules.
• Where contracts not yet awarded or up for renewal, conduct rigorous tender, evaluation and selection processes, complying with organisational policies to select suppliers which best meet the requirements of the project and organisation.
• Ensure that the deliverables from these contracts and the work of the internal teams are integrated into the project level tools and systems.
• Assess programmatic and reputational risks associated with their contracts, recommend appropriate actions to senior managers and implement and report on agreed actions.
• Take prompt action to resolve any problems in accordance with the terms of the contract, including negotiating and managing contract variances.
• Manage an effective governance and control environment with their contractors to ensure the direction of travel in the contracts is aligned to the business case and data integrity is maintained, taking corrective actions when needed.
• Undertake contract quality reviews and audits in order to identify, assess and take action to mitigate risks to project success.
• Lead and co‑ordinate efforts across the internal matrix organisation, including project control, engineers, procurement specialists, assurance and operations staff, to guide and support the contractors, with all applicable processes.
• Set task objectives and monitor performance, feeding back to team members and their functional/line managers or supplier representative to ensure team members have the necessary skills and understanding to deliver their requirements, coaching more junior colleagues as appropriate.
• Provide advice to senior management or senior programme/project leaders to support change through understanding and insight in order to have an impact on overall programme/project performance.
• Review and interpret programme and project management related functional policies or processes, develop and recommend changes and provide advice to colleagues to ensure their effective implementation.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders/customers to gain buy in and to support effective collaboration.
• Undertake continuing professional development to maintain the ability to manage their deliveries, according to the evolution of the profession and the evolving needs of the project itself.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Degree qualified or equivalent experience
• Highly experienced in project delivery including large scale software development and IT projects in multi‑national, multi‑disciplinary matrixed environments.
• Knowledge/experience in contract management and associated procedures and processes, with the ability to agree and shape ways of working to a particular project environment.
• Ability to monitor, plan and manage an agreed budget within a defined area, producing reports, analysis and forecasts.
• Ability to provide team leadership for a geographically dispersed, multi‑cultural team working across several time‑zones.
• Ability to organise own work and plan ahead for others
• Ability to develop and review project plans taking account of business and customer requirements and reconciling competing demands.
• Experienced in informal and formal communications influencing across different levels of the business, including senior management, suppliers and stakeholders to influence behaviour.
• Proficient user of web‑based tools and services used in the delivery of complex projects, including scheduling, financial, configuration, collaboration and risk tools.
• Financial and budgetary planning and management skills. Ability to agree resources for a defined area as part of forward planning, monitoring progress and adjusting resources or priorities to meet goals.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Post‑graduate qualification in management, computing, IT or business.
• End to end IT project lifecycle experience including mobilisation, delivery, transition to operations and project closure.
• Systems integration experience or experience of working within a software team (design, build, test).
• Membership or certification in a project management or related professional body (e.g. PMI’s PMP, APM’s PMQ, SAFe or Prince 2 Agile).
• Industry experience and/or a track record in successful collaboration with industry.
• Experience in using enterprise level tools and applications, for example contract management tools (e.g. CEMAR), Planning and scheduling tools (e.g. Primavera P6), collaboration tools (e.g. Confluence, Jira, Miro), Microsoft and Google office suite applications.
• Experience in using the NEC4 contract suite.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and diverse perspectives thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are at the core of the Observatory’s agenda.

Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.

Women have traditionally been under‑represented in the fields of science and engineering, and the Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.

The Observatory welcomes all candidates, especially those from member countries.