Senior Project Manager

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. Our goal is to become the brightest source of neutrons for science and technology and be operational by the end of this decade. A state-of-the-art suite of neutron scattering instruments will be made available to address a wide range of scientific fields in fundamental and materials science. Powered by the world's most advanced linear proton accelerator, ESS will enable cutting-edge research in materials science, energy, health, and the environment for decades to come.

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About the role:

ESS is at a critical, but exciting turning point. It is in the final stages of transitioning from the construction and commissioning stage to being a world-class, operating facility. To help us realise our goal of being the most powerful neutron source in the world, we are looking to appoint a Senior Project Manager to join the ESS Project Directorate.

In this role, you will provide project management support to our Business and Functions (B&F) area and to our Operations and Machine Directorate to deliver the final stage of the transition from our current project phase to the steady state operations (SSO) phase of the facility. As such, this is a full-time, fixed-term opportunity for a period of three years. The role is based at the ESS main campus in Lund, Sweden.

Day-to-day, you will:

• Ensure that realistic project and quality plans are prepared and maintained as well as provide regular and accurate reports to stakeholders as appropriate.
• Drive project schedules to foster a delivery mindset within the focus areas.
• Maintain the Control Account Plan including Planned Budgeted Cost for Work Scheduled (BCWS).
• Perform verification and control of costs charged to the control account, including Actual Cost of Work Performed (ACWP).
• Validate work accomplished, schedule progress - Budgeted Cost for Work Performed (BCWP).
• Update Estimates to Complete (ETC) for work packages and also validate Estimates At Complete (EAC).
• Conduct formal cost and schedule variance analysis and develop recovery plans required to recover schedule or cost variances.
• Managing control account risks – both threats and opportunities.
• Develop detailed action plans should risks materialise to recover schedule and/or cost deviations.
• Process change requests for changes to budget, schedule or technical scope of the control account.
• Take on delegated responsibilities from the ESS Project Director as and when required.

About you:

For this role, we are looking for a suitably qualified and experienced project management professional with a solid and extensive background in managing major projects throughout the design, installation and commission phases. You must bring a track-record of delivering change in varied environments and have the confidence to work alongside stakeholders from all levels of an organisation – both internally and externally. You are practiced in creating and maintaining project management processes, including initiation, planning, executing, monitoring, risk management, change control, schedules and documentation.

Whilst prior experience of working at a neutron source or spallation facility is not required for this role, prior experience of working with big science projects would be a definite advantage. Since this is a fixed-term position, you need to be able to assimilate a lot of information about the project in a very short space of time. Furthermore, you need to bring professional experience in IPM, APM, XLPM or equivalent, as well as Microsoft Office and P6. As a person you have strong communication skills, a delivery mentality, and the ability to challenge procedures and processes. The proven ability to work strategically and to see the wider context – whilst not losing track of planning, organising, and following up – is essential.

Fluency in written and spoken English is a prerequisite. The ability to speak Swedish or another European language would be beneficial.

To apply:

A career at ESS gives you the opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science at a stunning, brand-new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe. We offer market competitive, individualised compensation which is differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements as well as monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.

If you see yourself in what we're looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on "apply" and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website. Submit your application as soon as you can and quote the job reference number ESD-69296 in your application.

This role requires additional background screening processes and health and safety checks, which will be performed during the recruitment process.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.