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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a multinational team to deliver innovative tooling programs.
- Company: DFS Composites, a leader in high-precision mould tools for advanced industries.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of program delivery in a dynamic and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in project management with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation and performance.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 51000 £ per year.
Program Manager – Tooling & Composite Manufacturing
Location: United Kingdom (On-site preferred) – Open to remote candidates in India or China
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Operations Director
About Us
DFS Composites is a leading provider of high-precision mould tools and fixtures for composite manufacturing processes. Serving industries such as aerospace, automotive, and advanced engineering, we deliver bespoke tooling solutions from design through to delivery — with an emphasis on technical excellence, innovation, and precision.
The Role
We’re seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to oversee the successful delivery of tooling and fixture programs while leading and developing our multinational team of Project Managers. In this senior leadership role, you’ll provide strategic oversight across multiple concurrent programs, ensuring alignment with operational objectives, client expectations, and continuous improvement goals.
You’ll report directly to the Operations Director and play a critical role in shaping the performance and culture of our global project management function.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and direction to a team of Project Managers located across multiple countries (e.g. UK, India, China, Mexico).
- Mentor, develop, and performance-manage the project management team to ensure consistency, accountability, and professional growth.
- Oversee the successful delivery of multiple tooling programs from concept to delivery, ensuring they meet quality, timeline, and budget requirements.
- Act as a senior escalation point for internal and client-facing program issues.
- Ensure 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 program execution.
- Deliver regular reporting, metrics, and insights to the Operations Director and wider leadership team.
Requirements
- 7+ years of project/program management experience in manufacturing, tooling, or complex engineering environments
- Proven leadership experience managing and developing remote or multinational 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, and risk mitigation
- Comfortable working across multiple time zones and adapting to shifting client needs
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, or related technical field.
- PMP, PRINCE2, or other formal project management certification.
- Familiarity with CAD/CAM, CNC processes, and composite tooling techniques.
- Experience in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, motorsport, or industrial composites.
- Hands-on experience working with global suppliers and manufacturing teams.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (based on experience and location)
- A key leadership role in a technically advanced and growing business
- Flexibility to work remotely or on-site (UK preferred; India or China considered)
- Opportunities to shape the future of program delivery and team development
- Supportive and collaborative work culture focused on innovation and performance
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £50,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
- Work Location: In person
Program Manager Tooling & Composite Manufacturing employer: DFS Composites Limited
Contact Detail:
DFS Composites Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Program Manager Tooling & Composite Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. 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 us that you understand their work in tooling and composites, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the role of Program Manager. We want to hear how you’ve led teams and delivered successful projects in the past.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Program Manager Tooling & Composite Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Program Manager role. Highlight your experience in tooling and composite manufacturing, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you’ve successfully managed teams and projects in similar environments!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in project management and how they align with our goals at DFS Composites. Keep it engaging and professional!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since we’re in the business of precision engineering, make sure to highlight any relevant technical skills or certifications you have. Whether it’s your knowledge of CAD/CAM processes or your experience with composites, we want to know how you can contribute to our innovative projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
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 composite manufacturing processes. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed, especially those that align with the aerospace or automotive sectors. This shows you’re not just familiar with the industry but have hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a multinational team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed and developed remote teams in the past. Highlight your mentoring style and how you ensure accountability and professional growth within your team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding program governance and risk management. Think of scenarios where you had to navigate challenges in project delivery and how you ensured alignment with client expectations.
✨Cultural Awareness is Key
Given the global nature of the role, demonstrate your understanding of working across different cultures. Share experiences where you adapted your communication style to suit diverse teams, showing that you can lead effectively in a multicultural environment.