Project Lead - Software & Embedded Systems

45000 - 50000 + Great Benefits

Manchester, Northwest. Hybrid working available.

Applause IT are working with an established global security product vendor, seeking a highly motivated and experienced Project Lead (Project Manager) to drive the successful delivery of multiple concurrent software and embedded electronics projects from concept through to market launch. This role is pivotal in coordinating cross-functional teams, managing project timelines, and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

The ideal candidate will possess a proven experience in software and / or embedded project management. Your responsibilities will include overseeing PI planning, managing project phase gates, and ensuring that internal processes support efficient and scalable delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Lead end-to-end project execution across software and embedded hardware domains.
• Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Monitor and report on project progress, risks, and issues, ensuring timely resolution and escalation where necessary.
• Facilitate Agile ceremonies including PI Planning, Sprint Reviews, and Retrospectives.
• Manage phase gate reviews and ensure compliance with internal development processes.

Team Leadership

• Coordinate cross-functional teams including software engineers, embedded developers, QA, hardware engineers, and external partners.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate project status, risks, and dependencies clearly and effectively.
• Manage customer expectations and ensure alignment with business objectives.

Process Improvement

• Champion agile and lean methodologies where appropriate.
• Identify opportunities for process optimisation and implement best practices in project delivery.

About You

• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent.
• Recognised qualification such as PMP, Certified Scrum Master or SAFe Agilist.
• 5+ years' experience in project management, preferably in software or embedded systems.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams through full product lifecycle.
• Strong experience with hardware-software integration and managing dependencies.
• Proficiency in tools such as JIRA, Confluence, MS Project, and Azure DevOps.
• Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, and Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).
• Ability to manage projects using hybrid methodologies (Agile + Phase Gate).
• Experience in PI Planning, Sprint Planning, Retrospectives, and Release Management.
• Understanding of stage-gate models for product development.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (increasing with service).
• Christmas shutdown.
• Modern working environment.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Annual events calendar including charity and wellbeing days.
• 4x life assurance.
• Employee wellbeing portal, including Smart Health with 24/7 online GP access.
• Free eye tests and flu vaccines.
• Employee of the Month Awards.
• Long service awards.
• Company social events.
• Bonus/commission schemes.
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
• Perkbox membership.

Send CV now to find out more