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 while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and automotive systems 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.
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 employer: Akkodis
Akkodis is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture, encouraging continuous learning and global collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth opportunities and innovative projects in the automotive sector, team members can make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of working in the vibrant Midlands or Surrey regions. As part of the Adecco Group, Akkodis offers a supportive environment where employees are empowered to thrive in their careers and contribute to a smarter, more sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager - Automotive
✨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 tackled challenges in a clear and engaging way. Remember, storytelling can make your experience memorable and relatable to the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Akkodis team. Let’s get you that Senior Project Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager - Automotive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading complex automotive projects and managing cross-functional teams. We want to see how your skills align 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 they relate to the automotive sector.
Showcase Your Agile Experience:Since we value agile methodologies, be sure to highlight your experience with Scrum, Kanban, or SAFe. We love seeing how you've applied these practices in real-world scenarios to drive successful project outcomes.
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 to keep everyone aligned and motivated. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to foster a high-performance culture.
✨Master Stakeholder Management
Think about times when you've had to manage difficult stakeholders or navigate complex relationships. Be ready to share specific strategies you used to influence and engage senior stakeholders, as this role requires strong communication and relationship-building skills.
✨Be Agile and Structured
Familiarise yourself with agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban, but also be prepared to discuss how you've balanced these with structured governance. The interviewers will want to see that you can adapt your approach based on the project's needs while maintaining control and oversight.
