Project Manager – Engineering & Installations

About Us Innovation Agritech Group (IAG) designs and builds controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and aeroponic growing facilities, working with academic, research and commercial partners in the UK and internationally.

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced, hands-on Project Manager to take the operational lead on our engineering builds, facility installations and internal site improvements.

Your focus will be split between two areas: delivering external engineering projects, such as the installation of multiple GrowLab units at a leading UK university, and managing builds and continuous-improvement work at our own facility, The AeroBarn in Bracknell.

You’ll handle everything from design sign-off and procurement to contractor coordination, mechanical and electrical installation, workflow ergonomics and commissioning, across our home facility, partner sites and international programmes.

You’ll be based on-site in Bracknell for at least 2–3 days a week, with regular travel to UK project sites and occasional international travel. The role reports to the Head of Growing & Engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• External GrowLab installations: take full day-to-day ownership of client installations, including timelines, long-lead procurement, deliveries, contractor works and final commissioning. Act as the main point of contact for client estates and project teams.

• Bracknell facility projects: manage internal capital and engineering works at The AeroBarn, including building and commissioning internal GrowLab units and testing prototypes and new systems before external rollout.

• Facility modifications and upgrades: scope, procure, fabricate and deliver practical improvements, such as indoor panel-washing and sanitation facilities, custom handling equipment and trolleys for grow panels, and ergonomic, hygiene and layout changes to operator workflows.

• Continuous improvement: work with site operatives, growing technicians and plant scientists to identify bottlenecks and turn feedback into engineering, fabrication or fit-out projects.

• International projects: support the design and development of international facilities and wider build programmes.

• Site reviews and inspections: visit operational and partner facilities to inspect aeroponic, irrigation, pipework and environmental systems, and feed what you learn into future engineering designs.

• Drawing packages and BOMs: collate and manage drawing packages, CAD layouts and Bills of Materials across all live projects, working with internal and outsourced draughtspeople so that specifications are complete and signed off before procurement. Hands-on CAD drafting is not required.

• Technical validation and document control: oversee document control and compliance for project packs, review drawings with site trades, check works against approved schematics and coordinate redlines back to the design team.

• Contractor supervision: oversee mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fabrication contractors on site so that installations match approved drawings, specifications and quality standards.

• Budget control: track spend against approved budgets, flag variances early and monitor milestones against contract terms.

• Cross-team support: support the engineering side of research and agronomic trials with our science and growing teams.

• Wider operations: take on other project management duties as required by senior management.

Essential Requirements

• 3–5+ years managing multi-disciplinary engineering builds, MEP, industrial installations or technical facility projects from mobilisation to handover

• Proven experience managing sub-contractors, fabricators and trades on live client or commercial sites

• Ability to read, interpret and collate CAD layouts, engineering drawings, P&IDs and BOMs (CAD drafting not required)

• Experience delivering workshop, plant or facility modification projects, such as washdown systems, material handling equipment or layout improvements

• Strong commercial understanding of cost tracking, procurement lead times and scope management

• Working knowledge of site health and safety, RAMS and safe working practices

• Full UK driving licence, with willingness to travel regularly to UK sites and flexibility for international travel

Desirable

• Experience in CEA, commercial horticulture, vertical farming, industrial HVAC/refrigeration or process piping

• Experience delivering projects in university, public sector or grant-funded settings

• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience, including mechanical handling and hygiene infrastructure

• Experience working with CAD design teams or external draughtspeople

• A relevant project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM) or engineering qualification