PMO Project Manager - 6 Month FTC

Lotus Cars is renowned for crafting world-class, high-performance, and lightweight sports cars that are celebrated across the globe. Lotus Cars Limited serves as the company’s manufacturing HQ in the UK, where we proudly produce iconic models such as the Emira and the all-electric Evija. As we continue to elevate our capabilities and global presence, we are seeking a PMO Project Manager to join our dynamic PMO team at our state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility in Hethel.

Project Manager Role Purpose

The Project Manager is responsible for supporting the successful delivery of external client projects, ensuring programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Working closely with commercial, engineering, and project teams, the role will oversee project activities from proposal alignment through to project closure, managing project performance, risks, resources, and stakeholder communication throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with commercial and project teams to deliver external client projects from proposal alignment through to project completion and closure.
• Manage low‑risk and/or lower‑cost external client projects, ensuring successful delivery against agreed objectives.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, action plans, and programme timelines, tracking progress and ensuring key milestones are achieved.
• Support programme planning activities and contribute to the development and maintenance of project master schedules.
• Monitor project budgets and financial performance, providing accurate reporting and metrics for project and senior management reviews.
• Ensure project quality requirements are achieved by embedding NPDS processes and/or client‑specific gateways and milestones into project plans.
• Monitor project deliverables and ensure all requirements are accurately captured, documented, and delivered.
• Track project resource requirements against actual utilisation, providing reporting and analysis to support project reviews and management decision‑making.
• Produce regular project status reports, highlighting progress, risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
• Drive follow‑up actions and corrective measures to ensure project objectives remain on track throughout the development lifecycle.
• Lead project meetings and support communication with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective project governance.
• Ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed cost, quality, and delivery targets while maintaining strong client relationships.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential Criteria

• Qualifications: A‑Level standard qualifications or equivalent.
• Knowledge & Experience: Experience in vehicle and/or powertrain programme delivery. Financial awareness with experience monitoring project budgets and performance. Project management experience within an automotive engineering environment.
• Skills & Competencies: Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. Natural leadership ability with the confidence to influence stakeholders. Process‑driven approach with strong organisational and planning skills. Excellent communication and reporting capabilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively within cross‑functional teams.
• Personal Attributes: Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and influence others. Outgoing, confident, and articulate communicator. Strong work ethic with a proactive and self‑motivated approach. Ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively as part of a wider team. Results‑focused with a commitment to delivering high‑quality outcomes.

Desirable Criteria

• Qualifications: Engineering degree or relevant Project Management qualification.
• Knowledge & Experience: Project management experience within a consultancy environment. Experience managing customer‑facing engineering programmes. Knowledge of automotive product development processes and stage‑gate delivery methodologies.

Key Success Measures

• Delivery of projects to agreed cost, quality, and timing targets.
• Effective management of project schedules, budgets, resources, and risks.
• Positive client and stakeholder feedback.
• Accurate and timely project reporting.
• Successful achievement of project milestones and deliverables.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration and team engagement.

What we offer:

• 25 Vacation Days + Bank Holidays Pro rata.
• Performance Bonus: Get rewarded for your hard work with an exciting, non‑contractual bonus scheme—because great effort deserves great perks.
• Future‑Proof Pension: Plan for your tomorrow while thriving today with a solid pension scheme to keep your future bright.
• Private Healthcare: Stay healthy and stress‑free with premium healthcare coverage tailored to keep you at your best.
• We work hybrid, meaning you will be in the office when necessary and you can work from home when you’re needed there.

Additional Information:

This role will be working from our Hethel plant within our flexible working policy. Candidates must be eligible to work in UK without VISA sponsorship. This role will be on‑site at Hethel at least 3 days per week.

Our Company:

Group Lotus is a leading sports car manufacturer with over 75‑year long history of iconic designs, groundbreaking engineering and legendary victories on the F1 track. Today we are transforming into a truly global performance car brand focused on the electrical future. In 2022 we launched the Eletre, the world’s first all‑electric hyper‑SUV, and in 2023 our fully‑electric Hyper‑GT, Emeya. As part of the Lotus team, you push boundaries. Those of the car industry and of your own. Every member of the Lotus family has some of the pioneering mindset of founder Colin Chapman in them. Hethel, Norfolk, England has been the home of Lotus for over 60 years, ever since Colin Chapman, our founder, started making championship‑winning racing cars. In conjunction with production facilities in Norwich, and research facilities near Warwick, our UK sites offer a wide breadth of roles for all disciplines. We’re not just a car company; we’re a diverse mix of talent from all walks of life. At Group Lotus, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential pillars of a thriving and successful organisation.