Senior Project Manager in Bedford

Location: UK (Bedfordshire-based with UK travel)

An established engineering organisation specialising in robotic automation and assembly systems is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the delivery of complex automation projects across the automotive and general manufacturing sectors. The role is based primarily from a UK engineering facility, with periodic travel to customer sites to support installation, commissioning, and final handover. Projects span Tier 1 high-volume automotive programmes, niche OEM vehicle platforms, and an expanding portfolio within wider general industry.

The successful candidate will take full end-to-end ownership of automation and line-building projects, acting as the central coordination point between engineering, manufacturing, installation, supply chain, and customer stakeholders. There is a clear progression pathway into senior leadership, with future development toward a Head of Programmes role.

Role & Responsibilities

• You will be responsible for the full lifecycle delivery of robotic automation and specialist tooling projects, from early concept and design through manufacture, installation, commissioning, and customer handover.
• This includes developing and managing project schedules, budgets, and technical oversight while ensuring delivery to customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.
• The role involves leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams and subcontractors, managing scope and change control, and maintaining strong client relationships as the primary customer interface.
• You will be expected to provide regular programme updates, financial forecasts, and performance reports to senior stakeholders.
• Commercial responsibility is a key part of the position, including ownership of programme P&L, cost control, margin protection, contract management, variations, and procurement strategy for long-lead and critical equipment.
• You will also oversee factory and site-based activities including FAT, SAT, commissioning, buy-off, and final system handover.
• A strong focus on risk management, safety, and compliance is essential, ensuring all site activities meet HSE regulations, customer standards, and internal procedures.

Skills & Experience

• Applicants should have proven experience managing automation, automotive, or industrial line-build and tooling programmes, with a solid mechanical engineering background and practical exposure to robotics, tooling, and automated assembly systems.
• Experience delivering automation projects involving processes such as resistance spot welding, MIG welding, robotic handling, automated fastening, clinching, SPR, or adhesive application is highly desirable.
• You should be confident leading multi-disciplinary teams, managing subcontractors, and working across multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong commercial awareness is essential, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and contract management.
• You will be an effective communicator, comfortable operating at customer and senior management level, and able to perform well in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• An engineering qualification and/or time-served apprenticeship is required.
• Experience working to automotive OEM standards and an understanding of system integration and commissioning activities would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

This role suits a highly organised, proactive leader with a calm, decisive approach to problem-solving. You should be comfortable operating within senior management teams, capable of building trust with clients and internal stakeholders, and confident leading cohesive project teams across internal and external resources.