Project Management Assistant

COMPANY VISIONPlextek is a leading choice for employees and customers for exceptional engineering and strategic innovation to create better safer and more sustainable technologies and products. OUR VALUES AND BELIEFSBeing a responsible business, we work with integrity and honesty. We share success with our people and our communities. We embrace diversity in outlook and work as a team with colleagues, customers and suppliers to provide the best technical solution and professional service experience. We empower each other, we’re adaptable, show initiative and deliver on our commitments together. THE ROLEPlextek is expanding its Project Management capability and is seeking a highly organised and proactive Project Management Assistant (PMA) to join the team.This is a newly created role that will play a key part in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the Project Management function. The successful candidate will support Project Managers in the administration and coordination of projects, while also identifying opportunities to improve processes, automate routine activities and ensure the use of project management tools to company standards.Working across multiple projects and supporting several Project Managers, you will be exposed to a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and markets within a collaborative and supportive environment. You will become a central point of coordination, ensuring project information remains accurate, up to date and accessible, enabling Project Managers and engineering teams to focus on successful project delivery.This role offers a unique opportunity to shape how project support is delivered within the business and demonstrate the value that a dedicated PMA function can bring. For the right candidate, there are clear growth and development opportunities into senior PMA or Project Manager career paths.RESPONSIBILITIESProject Administration & CoordinationSupport Project Managers in the day-to-day administration and coordination of multiple projects.Co-ordinating updates from project teams and assist with incorporating progress into project plans and associated documentation.Maintain project resource plans and ensure business systems accurately reflect planned and actual allocations.Assist Project Managers with budget tracking, spend forecasting and financial reporting activities.Maintain project trackers for actions, risks, and issues, ensuring appropriate follow-up and visibility.Assist with project reporting activities, preparing status updates, dashboards and management information.Support project opening and closure activities, including start-up documentation, lessons learned and close-out checklists.Organise and coordinate project meetings, stand-ups, and reviewsPrepare agendas, capture minutes, track actions and follow up on outstanding items.Support the preparation of internal and customer-facing presentations and materials.Process Improvement & AutomationIdentify opportunities to improve project administration processes and introduce more efficient ways of working.Support the development and implementation of automation solutions to reduce administrative effort.Promote consistent use of project management tools, templates and best practices across the department.Project Delivery SupportProject Manage smaller projects where appropriate.Develop increasing responsibility for project delivery activities as experience and capability grow.THE PERSON Essential Skills & ExperienceHighly organised with excellent attention to detail.Strong coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.Confident communicator able to engage with stakeholders at all levels and proactively obtain updates and information.Self-motivated and capable of working independently.Strong written communication skills, including report writing, meeting minutes and presentation preparation.Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.Comfortable working with systems, data and business processes.A proactive mindset focused on problem solving and continuous improvement.Collaborative and approachable.Curious and keen to learn. Desirable Skills & ExperiencePrevious experience in a project administration, project coordinator or project support role.Familiarity with project management methodologies and principles.Experience working within an engineering, technology or consultancy environment.Experience with ERP or project management systems (e.g. Deltek, Microsoft Project, Jira or similar).Experience creating automated workflows and improving business processes.Knowledge of resource planning and project financial tracking.THE REWARDS In return, we offer an excellent package, a stimulating environment and a real interest in your development to encourage you to achieve your full potential. We are a versatile business, able to support career progression as appropriate.We are based just south of Cambridge with easy road and rail routes to the vibrant city centre. We provide a friendly and supportive working environment including regular on-site and off-site social events.