At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver innovative tooling projects in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join DFS Composites Ltd, a leader in sustainable composite solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior staff and collaborate with global teams.
- Why this job: Make an impact in clean energy and advanced manufacturing while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in project management with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 52000 £ per year.
Location: Lee-on-the-Solent, United Kingdom
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Reports To: Program Manager
Work Location: In person
Pay: £45,000.00-£52,000.00 per year
About Us
DFS Composites Ltd designs and manufactures cutting-edge composite tooling solutions for a global customer base across the wind energy and aerospace sectors. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-performance engineering solutions that support the future of clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
The Role
We’re seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to successfully deliver tooling and fixture projects. In this senior role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of complex, high-value projects while overseeing cross functional teams. You will be expected to proactively anticipate risks and develop strategic mitigation plans before they become blockers. You’ll report directly to the Program Manager and play a critical role in delivery of multiple projects within the UK portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Successful delivery of multiple tooling projects from concept to delivery, ensuring they meet quality, timeline, and budget requirements.
- Stakeholder & Vendor Management, act as primary liaison with stakeholders, external suppliers, and cross-functional teams to align project deliverables.
- Act as a senior escalation point for internal and client-facing project issues.
- Ensure adherence to best practices in program governance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement are consistently applied across all projects.
- Drive standardisation and continuous improvement of project management processes and tools.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain functions to ensure seamless project execution.
- Deliver regular reporting, metrics, and insights to the Program Manager.
- Facilitating discussions with senior stakeholders to drive decision-making and manage expectations within the project.
- Mentoring and supervising mid and junior level Project Managers, fostering professional growth, and sharing best practices across the organisation.
- Manage substantial budgets and providing accurate financial reporting throughout the project life cycle.
- Mentoring of Junior level staff as required.
Requirements
- 5+ years of project management experience in manufacturing, tooling, or complex engineering environments
- Proven leadership experience managing and developing remote or multinational cross functional teams
- Strong understanding of tooling, composites, or precision engineering processes
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead across cultures and disciplines
- Highly organised with expertise in project planning, cost control, project governance and risk mitigation
- Comfortable working across multiple time zones and adapting to shifting client needs
- Expert with various project management software & tools i.e. Jira and MSP
Preferred Qualifications/Experience
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, or related technical field.
- PMP, PRINCE2, Agile or other formal project management certification.
- Familiarity with CAD/CAM, CNC processes, and composite tooling techniques.
- Experience in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, renewables or industrial composites.
- Hands-on experience working with global suppliers and manufacturing teams.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (based on experience)
- A key leadership role in a technically advanced and growing business
- This is a UK role with a UK right to work required
- Supportive and collaborative work culture focused on innovation and performance
Senior Project Manager, Tooling & Composites - UK Based in Lee-on-the-Solent employer: DFS Composites Limited
At DFS Composites Ltd, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Lee-on-the-Solent, where innovation meets sustainability. As a mid-level Project Manager, you will not only contribute to cutting-edge projects in the wind energy and aerospace sectors but also benefit from our strong emphasis on employee growth and development. With competitive salaries, a collaborative culture, and opportunities to work on impactful engineering solutions, we offer a rewarding career path for those looking to make a difference in advanced manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager, Tooling & Composites - UK Based in Lee-on-the-Solent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of Senior Project Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and project successes to make a lasting impression.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager, Tooling & Composites - UK Based in Lee-on-the-Solent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in tooling and composites, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and project management expertise. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at DFS Composites. Share specific examples of your past projects and how they relate to what we do. Let’s see your passion for innovation and sustainability!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Senior Project Manager, communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your exceptional interpersonal skills. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, make sure we can see how you’ve effectively managed stakeholders and led cross-functional teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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 us you’re keen on joining our innovative team at DFS Composites!
How to prepare for a job interview at DFS Composites Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of tooling and composites. Understand the latest trends in the industry, especially around sustainability and innovation, as these are key to the role. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the company's focus on high-performance engineering solutions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Project Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in complex engineering environments. Highlight your mentoring experience and how you've fostered growth in junior staff.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you handle stakeholder and vendor management. Think of specific instances where you've acted as a liaison between different parties, resolved conflicts, or aligned project deliverables. This will show your ability to manage expectations and drive decision-making.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Risk Management
Since anticipating risks is crucial for this role, prepare to talk about your approach to risk management. Have examples ready that illustrate how you've identified potential blockers and developed strategic mitigation plans in previous projects. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and problem-solving skills.
