Technical Project Manager

TL;DR

Technical Project Manager: Managing end-to-end delivery of deeply technical projects across Defence & National Security with an accent on secure, efficient governance, risk management, and alignment with mission objectives. Focus on leading multiple project teams, maintaining client/partner relationships, and ensuring compliance with government regulations and internal security standards.

Location: Oxford / Hybrid (expected to work from Summertown, Oxford office at least one day per week); travel to client sites and partner locations as needed. UK security clearance required (willingness and eligibility to obtain if not already held).

Salary: £50,000–£57,000 per annum

Company

Mind Foundry supports customers in Defence and National Security with secure delivery of technical projects involving data from sensors and systems.

What you will do

• Own the end-to-end project lifecycle: pre-project planning, mobilisation, delivery, and closure, including risk identification, monitoring, mitigations, resourcing, performance reporting, and issue escalation.
• Deliver project outcomes with high-quality outputs aligned to client mission outcomes and organisational strategy.
• Build and lead multiple project teams and act as the primary point of contact for clients and partners.
• Develop and implement best-practice frameworks and methodologies for project and programme management across the company.
• Manage project budgets: forecasting, cost tracking, and escalation of financial risks.
• Maintain full compliance with applicable government regulations, standards, and internal policies.

Requirements

• Proven project management experience across multiple projects.
• Formal project management credentials such as APM Qualification, PRINCE2, or equivalent.
• Experience delivering in a defence or national security environment (or proven ability to operate in structured, security-conscious environments).
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Ability to manage resources and mentor multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness and ability to apply for and obtain UK security clearance if not already held.

Nice to have

• Experience managing projects with a strong AI/ML focus.
• Degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or a related STEM field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Experience with tender assessment and supply chain management.
• Experience contributing to initiatives supporting project management career pathways and development.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid working with at least one day per week in the Summertown, Oxford office.
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, with enhanced parental and sickness leave.
• Private healthcare (including dental and optical), group life cover (three times annual salary), and salary sacrifice pension scheme.
• EMI options scheme and workplace nursery scheme.
• Personal and professional development support, volunteering days, and a pet-friendly office.

Hiring process

• Initial discussion with the People team.
• 45-minute interview with the Head of Science & Engineering.
• 90-minute interview with the Science & Engineering team, including a practical exercise and a presentation, plus an in-person meet at the Summertown office.