Dr. Nithiananthan Vejayan
Ayr
Summary
Results-driven Innovation project manager with proven experience in both conceptualising and developing new projects. Possess strong skills in market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and cross-functional team leadership. Notably contributed to previous roles by driving project development cycles efficiently while aligning with business objectives. Known for strategic vision, problem-solving ability, and keen understanding of customer needs.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Innovation Delivery Project Manager
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
Glasgow
04.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: SSEN operates both distribution and transmission networks, SSEN ensures a reliable power supply and is committed to sustainability and innovation, playing a key role in the transition to a net-zero energy system
- Led the delivery of key innovation projects by developing strategic performance scorecards and conducting benefit analysis for integration of emerging technologies.
- Built collaborative partnerships with technology innovators, regulators, and government agencies to deliver pioneering energy solutions.
- Spearheaded implementation of KPI and OKR frameworks across the innovation portfolio, improving delivery performance and alignment with strategic goals.
- Introduced agile methodologies that enhanced team velocity by 30% and significantly reduced technical debt.
- Managed project risks, implemented mitigation strategies, and ensured compliance with quality, safety, and operational standards.
Renewable Project Manager, PMO
European Marine Energy Centre
Stromness
12.2020 - 04.2024
- Company Overview: EMEC is a renewable innovation catalyst, a world-class testing infrastructure and expertise to support the growth of renewable energy
- Led over 10 R&D and commercialisation projects in hydrogen, composites, and renewable energy systems (tidal, wave, hydro, solar).
- Developed and delivered testing and process strategies aligned with UK/European Hydrogen Strategy.
- Designed experimental programs and facilitated root cause analysis for material performance evaluation.
- Conducted hydrogen safety workshops and coordinated with clients, regulators, and cross-cultural teams.
- Implemented Agile and Lean approaches to streamline innovation delivery and secure 100% on-time project completion.
- Supported bid writing, technology transfer, and process scale-up, including CAPEX/OPEX planning.
Aviation Project Manager
Spirit AeroSystems
Prestwick
04.2015 - 06.2020
- Company Overview: Spirit AeroSystems is a leading aerospace manufacturer that specialises in designing and manufacturing large aerostructures for commercial and defense aircraft
- Managed a global team of 45+ to deliver material and process development for aerospace structures.
- Introduced CRM and automated tools for tracking CSFs, KPIs, and cost forecasting (EAC).
- Spearheaded integration of JIRA and digital toolsets to enable transparent project governance.
- Led the transition of R&D-based cost modelling tools to production environments.
- Saved £4.5 million through advanced analytics and process optimization.
- Experience in lab-to-manufacture readiness, TRL frameworks, and cross-functional R&D planning.
Education
Ph.D. - Materials Testing & Mechanical Behaviour
The University of Sheffield
Sheffield, England01-2016
Master of Science - Advanced Composite And Polymer
The University of Ulster
Jordanstown, Northern Ireland01-2012
Bachelor of Engineering - Aerospace Engineering
Coventry University
Coventry, England01-2006
Skills
- Composite Materials & Polymers
- Thermoset Processing & Nanotechnology
- Innovation & IP Development
- R&D-to-Production Transition
- Experimental Design & Validation
- Lab Safety (HSE) & Compliance
- Agile & Lean Methodologies
- Technical Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Data Analysis & Technical Reporting
- Project management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Contract negotiation
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Technical reporting
Publications
- Noble, D.R. et al. (2021). Standardising Marine Renewable Energy Testing: Gap Analysis and Recommendations. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering.
- Vejayan, N., Tomlinson, R.A. (2016). Repeatable Pre-cracking Preparation for Fracture Testing of Polymeric Materials. Engineering Fracture Mechanics (Elsevier).
Certification
- Advanced Project Management – APM
- Lean Organisation Management – TQUK
- Principles in Team Leading – TQUK
- Management & Leadership – CMI
Timeline
Innovation Delivery Project Manager
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
04.2024 - Current
Renewable Project Manager, PMO
European Marine Energy Centre
12.2020 - 04.2024
Aviation Project Manager
Spirit AeroSystems
04.2015 - 06.2020
Ph.D. - Materials Testing & Mechanical Behaviour
The University of Sheffield
Master of Science - Advanced Composite And Polymer
The University of Ulster
Bachelor of Engineering - Aerospace Engineering
Coventry University
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