Senior Programme Manager

Cambridge, UK | Full-time or Part-time | Permanent  

Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 DOE 

We will consider part-time applications for this role. Please indicate your preferred working schedule in your cover letter.  

About us 

Riverlane’s mission is to make quantum computing useful, sooner. From advances in material science, to complex chemistry simulation for drug design and discovery, quantum computers will help solve some of the world’s most important challenges. Riverlane is building the quantum error correction stack to make this happen. It’s a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion. We’re making remarkable progress and growing fast. 

About the role 

Riverlane is building Deltaflow, the Quantum Error Correction (QEC) stack. We have set out an ambitious roadmap to reach a MegaQuOp-scale (a million real-time quantum operations) QEC stack by 2026. This is the critical milestone when quantum computers reach sufficient scale to execute the first error corrected quantum applications, representing a huge step forwards in scalable quantum computing. 

Riverlane has a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Programme Manager to own the delivery of our Deltaflow roadmap, including both the current product and the following generation. In this newly created, critical role, the Senior Programme Manager will be supported by our Delivery Managers, who assist our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with their planning and resourcing. As Senior Programme Manager at Riverlane, you will be responsible for setting out the overarching project plan, aligning key players and quickly and effectively identifying and solving any issues, as they arise.  

This is an exceptional opportunity for someone with proven project/programme management experience, to confidently lead the effective delivery of our ambitious Deltaflow roadmap.  

What you will do  

In this role, you will be responsible for the overall delivery of Riverlane’s Deltaflow products, on time and within budget. This includes responsibility for the day-to-day management of the various Deltaflow projects and reporting, and will involve:  

Project planning 

• Building the project plan for the current and next generation Deltaflow projects.  This will include scoping out the projects across all Riverlane value streams, from Quantum Science, through to Engineering and Product and working with Delivery Managers across the value streams to build a detailed project plan.
• Clearly identifying and flagging interdependencies in workflows to ensure the project plan(s) can be delivered effectively.  
• Working with the Product team to understand the product and its features, as this takes shape, and how these map onto timelines/resources.

Ongoing monitoring + risk management

• Continuously monitoring project progress appropriately updating the project plan as required.  
• Identifying key project milestones, ensuring the infrastructure is in place to achieve these.  

• Identifying key risks to the timelines and mitigating for them as far as possible, updating the risk register as appropriate. 

• Promptly identifying key blockers and addressing with the relevant parties to discuss and resolve.  

• Working closely with key stakeholders to: 

• Solve any issues that arise  

• Run focused meetings, making efficient use of people’s time and reach decisions. 

• Organise project meetings, as appropriate.  

Communication + reporting 

• Preparing and continuously updating visual representations of project plans (Gantt charts etc.) suitable for various audiences, including the Board, Exec Team, Senior Leadership Team, value streams, and the wider company. 

• Articulating the project and the delivery process effectively to get buy in from the wider company.  

• Motivating and leading the team to successfully deliver an ambitious timeline. 

Appropriate project reviews 

• Ensuring appropriate documentation, paperwork and formalities are in order. 

• Evaluating project performance, throughout the project and at close, including lessons learnt. 

Requirements

What we need 

• Significant experience in Project/Programme Manager roles in a technical setting, including previous experience of successfully leading complex projects, from conception to completion 

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills 

• Experience working in deep tech or research environments  

• Experience of building effective relationships with cross-functional teams 

• An organised approach to work, with experience in effectively prioritising tasks and delivering to tight deadlines 

• Excellent problem-solving and project management skills 

• Highly motivated and hardworking, with energy and enthusiasm to inspire others and achieve ambitious targets 

• An interest in quantum computing  

Even better if… 

• You have previous experience in quantum computing 

Benefits

What can you expect from us 

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, life insurance and a contributory pension scheme 

• Equity so that our team can share in the long-term success of Riverlane 

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave 

• A diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and maths) and over 20 different nationalities  

• A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and learning, including an annual training and conference budget  

How to apply 

Please upload a CV and covering letter by clicking 'Apply Now'. Your covering letter should explain why you are applying for the job and what skills and experience you can bring to the role. 

We review CVs as we receive them and interview as soon as we have applications that look like a good match (usually within one week). We do not use closing dates. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this role. We advertised this role on 26th October, 2024. 

If you have any queries, please contact [email protected]. 

Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity/paternity. 

Studies have shown that women tend to apply to jobs if they meet all or almost all of the requirements whereas men apply even if they meet only some of the requirements. If that sounds like you then please apply – we are happy to review your application and let you know if we think you might be a good fit. 

If you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best, please let us know. We will be happy to help.