At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting automotive projects from concept to production, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Company: Join a top-notch automotive components manufacturer focused on innovation and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, free daily lunch, and a modern office environment.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team with a growth-oriented culture and excellent career opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the automotive industry while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Technical experience in product development and proven project management success required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
This is an established automotive components manufacturer known for quality lighting solutions and a genuinely customer-first approach — on a mission to become the most customer-centric vehicle lighting supplier in the industry. Their culture is built on innovation, craftsmanship and hands-on ownership, with a brand-new HQ to match their ambitions.
This is a broad, high-ownership Project Manager role overseeing product development projects end-to-end — from initial concept right through to production. Reporting to the Product Development Manager, you'll own delivery against the product roadmap and bespoke customer programmes, meaning you'll need genuine technical understanding of the product development process, not just project management process. You'll be the person who keeps design, engineering and customer requirements aligned and moving — solving problems, making evidence-based decisions under pressure, and holding the team accountable to deliver.
What you'll be doing:
- Owning project delivery end-to-end — consistently hitting design milestones on time, within budget, and to quality standard
- Managing internal and external resources so projects stay on track and within budget
- Leading meetings, driving actions, and ensuring accountability across the team
- Reporting project health clearly to stakeholders, including risks and mitigation plans
- Overseeing development of lighting products that meet regulatory, performance and aesthetic requirements
- Managing product customisations, change requests, and technical support requests within set KPIs
- Defining, upholding and continuously improving product standards and documentation
- Troubleshooting issues and making critical, evidence-based decisions under pressure
What we're looking for:
- Relevant technical experience is essential — this role requires genuine understanding of the product development process, not just project coordination
- Proven track record delivering multiple concurrent projects from concept to production on or ahead of schedule (automotive/manufacturing background preferred)
- Strong command of project management tools and reporting
- Excellent task and time management, follow-up discipline, and stakeholder management
- Confident communicator, able to clearly articulate goals, tasks and risks
- A growth-oriented, accountable, can-do attitude
Benefits & working pattern:
- On-site, full-time
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), rising after 2 years' service
- Brand-new headquarters and modern office environment
- Daily free lunch and refreshments, including freshly ground coffee
- Access to Lifeworks perks and discount scheme
If you are interested in discussing this Project Management position further, please contact Emily Wright.
Project Manager in Southampton employer: Intellectual Capital Resources
Join a dynamic team where innovation meets collaboration, as we empower our Opto Mechanical Engineers to transform cutting-edge optical concepts into tangible products. Our supportive work culture fosters continuous learning and professional growth, with hands-on opportunities in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits and a chance to work alongside industry experts, making this an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Intellectual Capital Resources Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager in Southampton
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Intellectual Capital Resources, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Intellectual Capital Resources specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Intellectual Capital Resources
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Intellectual Capital Resources, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Intellectual Capital Resources value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
