Programme Manager

The Programme Manager is responsible for managing the scope and introduction of new programmes and running changes across Artifex's product portfolio, while supporting the development and implementation of VA/VE initiatives and partnering with Sales and Business Management on programme‑related RFQ activity. The role champions disciplined change control across the organisation and leads the Cross‑Functional Team through the full GDLS/ProLink lifecycle, providing clear status reporting to leadership. A strong customer focus is central to ensuring successful product launches and programme delivery that aligns with Artifex's commercial, operational, and strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Directly accountable for the successful launch (Scope, Time, Cost & Quality) of a programme/project, ensuring all agreed Artifex company standard metrics are achieved.
• Develop, approve, report and monitor the programme’s sales pricing & cost, tool investment (TAR & Cash Flow), capital investment (CAR), engineering development and design (PDP) cost status against the standard company metrics or as established at business case sign‑off & programme/project award.
• Ensure all aspects of the programme and project are maintained and developed to meet the minimum quality objective requirements.
• Establish and lead the Cross‑Functional Team(s) (CFT) as required, meeting the changing demands of the programme(s)/project(s).
• Schedule and conduct regular CFT meetings to maintain a sufficiently detailed level of communication.
• Monitor and manage the CFT member’s responsibilities relating to GDLS/ProLink, RASIC, key elements and deliverables, including correctly maintaining a central library of programme/project evidence and deliverables within ProLink.
• Drive a supportive, inclusive team culture that empowers CFT members to contribute openly and collaboratively.
• Serve as the primary cross‑functional interface for the customer(s) and the Artifex CFT(s), defining the full scope of the programme(s)/project(s).
• Develop and establish the Customer/Artifex Statement of Work Requirements, Assumption documents and agreements for the programme(s)/project(s) with all departmental stakeholders.
• Manage, maintain and adapt overall Artifex programme/project timing and budgets in conjunction with key department stakeholders & customer(s) to support a successful launch.
• Define all key milestones, including but not limited to: Artifex and customer programme/project lifecycle introduction timing and sign‑off, Engineering & design development, design freeze, sign‑off and release, PDP preparation and sign‑off, Customer and related Artifex build dates, Customer order requirement dates, TAR, Cash Flow, CAR preparation and sign‑off, Tooling timing, Make vs Buy preparation and sign‑off.
• Promote transparent communication, ensuring risks, issues and trade‑offs are surfaced early and communicated respectfully.
• Manage, maintain and communicate the programme/project status reporting and sign‑off requirements, including monthly reviews, GDLS phase management gateway reviews, Monthly Operating Reports (MOR) and programme/project timing, financial reports & cashflow.
• Ensure correct escalation and reporting of programme/project issues in a timely manner.
• Actively identify opportunities to improve programme delivery processes, tools and cross‑functional ways of working.
• Ensure meticulous attention to detail across all programme documentation, evidence packs and milestone deliverables.
• Identify and resolve operational, commercial and technical problems using structured problem‑solving methods.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Project and/or Programme Management (preferred) or Engineering and/or Business Administration, or substantial experience in automotive industry as Programme Manager.
• Attained a Professional Project/Programme Management accreditation level (IMPA Level C or equivalent) with a recognised national/international project management organisation.
• Experience in the automotive industry in programme management within a substantially sized regional or global organisation, or extensive experience in project management within the automotive industry.
• Demonstrable commitment to honest, respectful communication in high‑pressure programme environments.
• Track record of taking personal ownership for programme outcomes, not just functional deliverables.
• Good working knowledge of industry standards & related procedures.
• APQP / PPAP / IATF16949 training or significant experience in automotive industry in project management.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder‑alignment skills, able to secure commitment across customer and internal teams.
• Adaptability in the location of work, including business travel.
• Flexibility to change priorities in response to changing programme/project demands.
• Intermediate level Excel user, essentially able to create, manipulate & problem‑solve graphs and pivot tables.