Project Manager in Maidenhead

Due to Hewland’s continued expansion and strong product portfolio across both motorsport, future automotive, and aerospace, we are seeking an experienced project manager to lead and oversee gearbox design & manufacturing projects within our company, specializing in serving clients in the automotive, defence and aerospace industries. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing complex projects in both sectors, with a focus on delivering high-quality, innovative gearbox solutions.

Duties and responsibilities

• Project Planning and Execution: Develop all-encompassing project plans, clearly outlining tasks, timelines, and resource requirements. Execute and oversee all major projects in accordance with the established project plans, ensuring strict adherence to project milestones and deadlines.
• Project Management Expertise: Leverage Smartsheet Project Management to proficiently create, update, and maintain project schedules. Utilize advanced features for effective tracking and reporting of project progress. Employ the capabilities of Smartsheet to optimise various project management processes.
• Change Control Management: Manage change control processes to effectively handle modifications to project scope, schedule, and costs. Evaluate the impact of changes on project objectives and communicate with stakeholders. Ensure thorough documentation, review, and approval of change requests in alignment with project requirements.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks that could impact project success and formulate robust mitigation strategies. Monitor and manage project risks throughout the project lifecycle, implementing proactive measures to minimize their impact on project outcomes.
• Stakeholder Communication: Establish and maintain effective communication channels with project stakeholders. Regularly update stakeholders on project progress, milestones achieved, and potential risks. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure project alignment with organizational goals.
• Resource Management: Collaborate with resource managers to guarantee the optimal allocation of personnel and equipment. Strive to optimise resource utilisation to efficiently achieve project objectives. Maintain effective coordination to ensure seamless integration of resources into the project workflow.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a project manager in the automotive/aerospace industries, preferably with a focus on gearbox design and development.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and drive project success.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with clients, team members, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies, tools, and software (e.g., Resource Management by Smartsheet, MS Project, knowledge of a CAD software package is beneficial).
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations governing gearbox design and manufacturing in the automotive and aerospace sectors.
• Experience with risk management, quality assurance, and compliance processes in a regulated environment.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification is a plus.
• Familiarity with testing (gearbox preferable), validation, and certification processes is desirable.
• Passion for innovation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement in gearbox design and engineering.
• Hands-on individual with previous experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally in automotive/aerospace/motorsport industry.
• Manufacturing/Industrial/Process/Mechanical engineering background (at least 1 area).
• Customer expectations awareness.
• Experience in DFMEA/PFMEA.

Other Skills Required

• Good communicator.
• Excellent team player.
• Self-started, self-motivated, proactive and committed.
• Good problem-solving skills and logical approach.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent presentation skills (ability to present data efficiently).
• Excellent organisation skills.