At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex automotive projects, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes.
- Company: Join Akkodis, a global leader in engineering and technology innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous learning and improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the automotive industry with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and automotive programmes is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Region/ country: United Kingdom
Reporting to: Programme Manager
Location: Midlands / Surrey
Company
Akkodis is a global leader in engineering, technology, and R&D, harnessing the power of connected data to drive digital transformation and innovation for a smarter, more sustainable future. As part of the Adecco Group, Akkodis employs over 50,000 engineers and digital specialists across 30 countries in North America, EMEA, and APAC. Our teams bring extensive cross-sector knowledge in critical technology areas such as mobility, software services, robotics, simulations, cybersecurity, AI, and data analytics, enabling clients to tackle complex challenges in today’s rapidly evolving markets.
With a comprehensive solution portfolio across four service lines—Consulting, Solutions, Talents, and Academy—Akkodis supports clients from concept through to full-scale deployment and optimisation. Our diverse offerings help organisations rethink product development, accelerate productivity, reduce time-to-market, and prepare for the future. At Akkodis, you’ll join a dynamic environment that values continuous learning and global collaboration, where you can make a meaningful impact through innovative projects that shape the future of technology.
Scope
The Project Management function at Akkodis Consulting provides delivery leadership across IT, Digital, Engineering, and Aerospace & Defence. Our Project Managers oversee initiatives ranging from discrete work packages to complex, multi-stream programmes, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the required quality while maintaining strong client and stakeholder relationships.
- Lead and support projects of varying scale and complexity, coordinating across multiple workstreams to ensure alignment and successful programme outcomes.
- Partner with Programme Managers, Business Managers, and senior stakeholders to manage schedules, resources, risks, and dependencies effectively.
- Apply structured project management practices with a focus on clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
- Balance delivery discipline with adaptability, fostering trusted client relationships and ensuring business objectives are met.
Role
The Senior Project Manager will lead the end-to-end delivery of complex automotive programmes across a number of OEMs and across technical areas: including EVs, software delivery & autonomous systems. Operating at the intersection of technology and business, the role is responsible for creating the conditions for high-performing delivery teams while maintaining strong governance, reporting discipline, and client confidence.
The role requires ownership of multiple workstreams within fast-paced, high-pressure environments, ensuring alignment to programme objectives, effective stakeholder engagement, and successful delivery across the full lifecycle — from discovery through to implementation and live service.
Working closely with internal delivery teams, third-party partners, and senior client stakeholders, the Senior Project Manager will drive collaboration, manage risk, and ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes across complex digital initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Own and lead the end-to-end delivery of complex automotive system projects, ensuring delivery to agreed scope, schedule, budget, and quality.
- Operate as the primary point of contact for clients, proactively managing expectations and communicating clearly on progress, risks, and decisions.
- Coordinate multiple delivery workstreams, managing dependencies, risks, and cross-team alignment.
- Lead agile delivery practices (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe or equivalent), applying them pragmatically to suit programme and client context.
- Maintain strong governance across the programme, including RAID logs, reporting packs, financial tracking, and stakeholder updates.
- Drive roadmap planning, dependency mapping, and delivery forecasting across complex, multi-team environments.
- Partner with Programme Managers and senior stakeholders to ensure alignment with wider programme objectives and priorities.
- Manage third-party suppliers and delivery partners, ensuring accountability and performance against agreed outcomes.
- Monitor team performance and velocity, using data and metrics to inform delivery decisions and continuous improvement.
- Identify and remove blockers, enabling delivery teams to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- Support and mentor team members, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
- Ensure compliance with governance, assurance, and reporting standards relevant to ground transport and cross company requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement in delivery processes, governance, and ways of working.
Required Experience
- Proven track record of leading end-to-end delivery of complex automotive projects, managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality.
- Experience delivering automotive programmes across engineering domains: for example - EVs, ICE, Electrical & Electronic, Body & Trim, manufacturing and supply chain.
- Demonstrable experience working across the full project lifecycle, from concept through to SOP.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams across multiple delivery workstreams.
- Experience operating within OEM, 1st Tier and supply chain.
- Strong experience managing third-party suppliers and complex stakeholder landscapes.
- Experience balancing agile delivery with structured governance and reporting requirements.
- Background in consulting or client-facing delivery environments.
Required Skills
- Strong leadership and delivery ownership across complex, multi-stream automotive programmes.
- Advanced stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders.
- Expertise in agile delivery methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe) and the ability to apply them pragmatically.
- Strong dependency management, roadmap planning, and risk mitigation capability.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with confidence in client-facing environments.
- Ability to balance delivery pace with governance, reporting, and control.
- Strong analytical mindset, using data and metrics to drive decision-making and delivery improvements.
- Proficiency with delivery tools such as Jira, Confluence, or equivalent.
- Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure, and complex environments.
Required Education
- Degree or equivalent professional experience in Project Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Project management certification (e.g. PRINCE2, AgilePM, PMP, or equivalent) desirable but not essential.
Senior Project Manager - Automotive in Birmingham employer: Akkodis
Akkodis is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, where innovation and continuous learning are at the forefront. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to diverse projects in the automotive sector, working alongside top-tier professionals in the Midlands or Surrey. The company offers competitive benefits and a supportive environment that empowers you to make a meaningful impact on cutting-edge technology initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager - Automotive in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the automotive industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Akkodis and their projects. Understand their approach to project management and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your past projects and how you’ve led teams to success. Use specific examples that highlight your skills in managing complex automotive programmes and stakeholder relationships. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Akkodis. Let’s get you that Senior Project Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager - Automotive in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex automotive projects and showcase your skills in agile methodologies. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Akkodis. Share specific examples of your project management successes and how you’ve tackled challenges in the automotive sector. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Senior Project Manager, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to engage with stakeholders and manage expectations. We love seeing clear, concise writing that reflects your professionalism and confidence.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Akkodis!
How to prepare for a job interview at Akkodis
✨Know Your Automotive Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in the automotive industry, especially around EVs and autonomous systems. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in these areas will show that you're not just a project manager, but someone who understands the technical landscape.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led complex projects in the past. Highlight your experience with cross-functional teams and how you've managed stakeholder relationships. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to drive collaboration and maintain client confidence.
✨Master Agile Methodologies
Since the role requires knowledge of agile practices like Scrum and Kanban, be ready to discuss how you've applied these methodologies in previous projects. Share specific instances where you adapted agile principles to suit the needs of your team and project context.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about potential risks in automotive projects and how you would mitigate them. This will help you demonstrate your analytical mindset and proactive approach to project management.
