R&T Project Operations Manager – R&T

• Drive operational excellence through standardized project governance, financial and TRL lifecycle management, and continuous optimization of digital tools and processes
• Facilitate timely project openings by defining the Statement of Work (SoW), Project Data Sheet, and UP-DEV documentation
• Coach Project Managers to ensure alignment, configuration, and accurate baselining
• Support Technology Domain Managers and Program Managers in overseeing project execution
• Ensure adherence to milestones, deliverables, and quality standards
• Provide proactive problem-solving and escalation management
• Manage operational budgets, including public and CTO funding, budget initiation, deviations, and bottom-up forecasting
• Coordinate the definition, scheduling, and execution of TRL review plans
• Ensure process compliance, documentation, and action tracking
• Drive continuous improvement of R&T operational processes and documentation
• Maintain, optimize, and support users of JIRA, Qlik, Google Workspace, and UP-DEV
• Provide monthly KPI reporting
• Manage contract execution from Kick-Off through closure and validation of financial obligations
• Oversee administrative and financial contract matters
• Exercise veto rights during bid preparation and approve contract-related execution decisions
• Manage risks and opportunities jointly with Project Managers
• Coordinate contractual matters with Project Managers, Legal, Finance, Commercial & Contracts, and public funding agencies
• Manage contract changes, claims, and waivers

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in Project Management
• Master’s degree or equivalent in Engineering, Project Management, Business Management, or a related discipline
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications
• Experience with UP-DEV, JIRA, and Qlik
• Negotiation-level English proficiency, both written and spoken
• French is a plus
• Advanced negotiation, coordination, and reporting skills
• Ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders while firmly defending contractual requirements and business interests
• Ability to actively drive discussions, anticipate challenges, and steer stakeholders toward favorable outcomes
• Ability to thrive in an international, cross-cultural environment
• Familiarity with the defense and space industry is a major plus
• Security clearance or eligibility for clearance by recognized authorities
• Awareness of potential compliance risks and commitment to acting with integrity

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in Project Management with a focus on operational excellence, financial management, and compliance within the defense and space industry. Proficient in utilizing digital tools like JIRA and Qlik for project execution and reporting.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Project Management
• Operational Budget Management
• JIRA Proficiency
• UP-DEV Experience
• Negotiation Skills

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Project Management
• Financial Management
• KPI Reporting
• Contract Management
• Process Compliance

Soft Skills

• Problem-Solving
• Collaboration
• Stakeholder Management
• Communication
• Negotiation

Certifications & Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Engineering
• Master’s Degree in Project Management
• Master’s Degree in Business Management

Industry Keywords

• Defense Industry
• Space Industry
• Compliance Risks
• Security Clearance
• Contractual Requirements

Tools & Technologies

• JIRA
• Qlik
• Google Workspace
• Microsoft Office
• UP-DEV