Project Leader

Job Description

As a Project Leader you will join our Stevenage team to support our activities within the Space sector. 

You will be responsible for leading and managing technical projects across the Quality Control laboratory, ensuring laboratory systems, equipment, and processes remain compliant, efficient, and fit for purpose. Working closely with Quality, IT, Manufacturing, and external stakeholders, you will oversee electronic laboratory systems, equipment lifecycle management, method transfers, new product introduction activities, and laboratory compliance initiatives within a GMP-regulated environment.

• Location: Stevenage
• On Site: Full - time on site
• Clearance: Clearable
• Experience Level: Senior (3-10 years)

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all technical projects within the Quality Control laboratory
• Manage and develop a team of technical specialists supporting laboratory systems and equipment
• Oversee the lifecycle management of QC electronic systems, including LIMS, CDS, and associated laboratory software
• Ensure laboratory equipment and systems remain compliant with GMP, Data Integrity requirements, and company procedures
• Develop and maintain a five-year equipment replacement and investment plan
• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) and Method Transfer activities within the QC function
• Manage compliance-related initiatives including global changes, pharmacopeia updates, and regulatory requirements
• Drive change management activities to ensure laboratory systems and equipment remain operational and compliant
• Review and approve SOPs, quality documents, and technical procedures
• Coordinate education and training programmes relating to specialist equipment and software
• Work with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver technical improvements and laboratory optimisation projects
• Monitor project progress, risks, budgets, and resource requirements
• Support inspections, audits, and regulatory interactions as required

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical Quality Control laboratory operations
• Experience managing QC equipment and electronic laboratory systems
• Knowledge of LIMS, CDS, and laboratory software platforms
• Understanding of equipment qualification, validation, and lifecycle management
• Experience leading technical projects within a regulated environment
• Strong understanding of GMP requirements and Data Integrity principles
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills
• Ability to gather, analyse, and translate user requirements into practical solutions
• Strong organisational and project management capabilities
• Ability to interpret complex technical and scientific information and communicate findings effectively

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
• Significant experience working within a pharmaceutical Quality Control laboratory environment
• At least 2 years of experience managing QC equipment and electronic laboratory systems
• Experience supporting technical change, validation, qualification, or laboratory compliance activities

Desirable Skills:

• Experience as a LIMS or CDS administrator
• Knowledge of laboratory instrument qualification and computer system validation (CSV)
• Experience supporting method transfers and analytical technology implementation
• Familiarity with pharmacopeia compliance activities and regulatory submissions
• Experience managing multidisciplinary technical teams
• Understanding of continuous improvement and laboratory digitalisation initiatives
• Knowledge of laboratory automation technologies

Additional Information

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.