Software Development Project Manager (Outside IR35)

Location: Ashby (3 days per week on site) Chippenham (1 day per month) Remainder remote
Engagement: Outside IR35 Contract

About the Role

An experienced Software Development Project Manager is required to lead complex, safety-critical software development projects within the transport and infrastructure domain. The successful candidate will coordinate cross-functional engineering teams to deliver high-quality, compliant software solutions on time, within budget, and to defined safety and quality standards.

The role involves managing full lifecycle software projects — from requirements and design through to verification, validation, and delivery — in alignment with business and regulatory objectives. You’ll be working across multiple stakeholder groups, driving collaboration between technical, quality, and programme management teams to achieve successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and deliver multiple software development projects to defined time, cost, and quality targets.

Plan, manage, and monitor project schedules, budgets, resources, and risks.

Coordinate Agile and hybrid development teams, ensuring clear delivery milestones and accountability.

Manage risks, issues, and change control processes effectively, escalating when required.

Ensure all software deliverables meet safety-critical standards and relevant industry regulations.

Promote best practices for software quality, architecture, and security.

Maintain close alignment between project teams, customers, and internal stakeholders to ensure satisfaction and transparency.

Drive a culture of continuous improvement, lessons learned, and process optimisation.

Produce accurate project documentation and progress reporting.

Incorporate customer feedback into project delivery to maximise value and usability.

Key Skills and Qualifications

5+ years’ experience in software project management within complex engineering or technology environments.

Proven record delivering multi-million-pound software projects.

Experience managing safety-critical or regulated software development projects (e.g. rail, aerospace, automotive, defence, medical).

Strong understanding of software development lifecycles (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid).

Professional Project Management accreditation (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP, APM).

Proficient in MS Project or equivalent project management tools.

Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Demonstrated ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams across software, systems, and testing disciplines.

Background in transport or safety-related technologies advantageous.

Contract Details

Status: Outside IR35

Location:

Ashby: 3 days per week on site

Chippenham: 1 day per month

Remote: remainder of time as required

Duration: Specify, e.g. 6–12 months

Rate: Competitive, based on experience