Project Manager - FTC

Digital Catapult is a deep tech innovation organisation. We help businesses grow by applying advanced technologies, partnering with government, industry, and academia to deliver solutions that benefit the UK's economy and society. With nearly 300 innovators across multiple UK regions, we tackle significant challenges through collaborative, practical innovation.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to join the Programme Delivery Team on a 12 month fixed term contract role. As Project Manager, working closely with colleagues across Innovation Practice, Business Development, Product, Technology, Marketing and Finance, you will initially manage delivery of workstreams on a programme focussed on the digitalisation of energy flexibility within the UK.

Led by Digital Catapult and Energy Systems Catapult, and funded by Innovate UK, the Bridge Phase of the Digitalising Energy Flexibility programme will accelerate the adoption of deep tech to transform energy flexibility in the UK. Running from July 2025 to March 2026, this the initial £4m Bridge Phase will lay the foundation for a four-year national programme. Through eight integrated work packages - spanning lighthouse pilots, investor engagement, system mapping and tool development - the Bridge Phase will test scalable solutions, build industry momentum and unlock systemic change. Working in close partnership with industry, innovators and policymakers, we'll drive real-world impact and reduce barriers to market. This is about turning strategy into action - shaping a future-ready energy system, powered by deep tech and responsive innovation.

WHAT YOU'LL DO (Duties)

• Design, lead, plan and manage the delivery of complex innovation projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and high-quality outcomes in order to achieve the desired project impact.
• Monitor project performance, manage risks and implement mitigation strategies as necessary.
• Ensure that the tasks on the project are clearly defined and agreed with internal and external stakeholders and progressed to the agreed timescale, budget and expected impact.
• Initiate and maintain all project artefacts such as budgets, RAID logs, RACI matrices, milestones, project plans and resource plans.
• Manage suppliers and 3rd party vendors ensuring contracted deliverables are on time, on budget and of expected quality. Maintain clear and consistent communication with all project stakeholders.
• Report through regular status updates, initiate and run regular stand-up meetings, update sessions and workshops as needed.
• Along with the relevant internal stakeholders, plan and develop coherent project strategy, structure (workstreams and tasks), and resourcing plans. Define realistic goals, milestones and targets that will lead to the required outcomes and impact.
• Aide the preparation of project proposals, budgets, and resource plans.
• Ensure compliance with programme and project governance standards including ISO9001 and ISO27001, resourcing processes, funding and reporting requirements.

Requirements

• Significant hands-on project management experience in an IT or Technology setting managing complex projects. Experience delivering grant funded / Collaborative Research & Development (CR&D) projects is advantageous.
• Previous experience with risk management and facilitating / supporting the execution of resourcing activities.
• Thorough knowledge of project management tools such as MS Project, SmartSheets, JIRA, Trello or Confluence ideally with some knowledge of collaborative working tools such as Salesforce /Miro. Experience of managing Agile and/or Waterfall projects.
• Previous experience of the UK energy system, particularly energy flexibility, decarbonisation, or grid innovation is desirable.
• Prior experience managing work packages that span technical development, stakeholder engagement, and investment readiness would also be advantageous.
• A formal Project Management qualification e.g. PRINCE2, Certified Scrum Master is desirable but not essential.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, self-motivated, results-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Confident, determined and driven, a team player who is also able to work independently.

Deadline for Applications: 28th July 2025

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society. 

We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated.

As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process.

Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer.

Benefits

• We are in the UK's Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK's Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
• Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year:
• Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary;
• Discretionary company bonus
• 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension;
• E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal;
• Life insurance 4x salary;
• Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice;
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave;
• Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work;
• Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us;
• Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks!

We have a vibrant and engaging culture where all voices are heard and a variety of employee led affinity groups who champion initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback to be shared.

We use moments in the year to educate everyone at Digital Catapult on different aspects of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to raise awareness.

We also enjoy socialising and having fun together through a variety of company-wide events held throughout the year including our football team, running and climbing groups and volunteering activities.