At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in automotive interior trim systems from concept to production.
- Company: Join a leading Tier 1 automotive company focused on luxury craftsmanship.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the premium automotive sector while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and 5+ years in automotive project management required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Engineering Project Manager is responsible for leading the development and industrialisation of interior trim systems for UK OEM customers. Working within a Tier 1 automotive environment, the role drives cross functional project delivery from RFQ award through development to SOP and into serial production, ensuring products meet stringent customer craftsmanship requirements, quality, cost, and timing. The role acts as the primary interface between OEM customer, internal engineering and manufacturing teams, and the Tier 2 supply base.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Programme Management: Lead cross‑functional project teams delivering interior trim systems and components. Accountable for project timing, cost, scope, and quality targets from quotation through SOP and into series production. Develop and maintain detailed project plans, milestones, and resource forecasts. Manage change control.
- Engineering Technical Coordination: Act as the central technical interface between design, engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and OEM customers. Coordinate concept feasibility, design maturation, validation, and industrialisation activities. Ensure compliance with automotive standards, OEM specifications, and regulatory requirements.
- Luxury Quality Craftsmanship: Ensure aesthetic, tactile, and perceived quality targets are achieved. Drive resolution of premium quality issues. Support build events, design reviews, and aesthetic sign‑off gates.
- Financial Commercial Responsibility: Manage project budgets, tooling investment, and cost targets. Support quotation activities and commercial reviews. Track project financial performance and implement recovery plans where required.
- Stakeholder Customer Management: Serve as primary customer contact for assigned projects. Prepare and deliver regular project status updates to internal leadership and customers. Manage escalation paths for technical, quality, or timing risks.
- Risk Issue Management: Identify project risks early and proactively implement mitigation plans. Lead problem‑solving activities using structured methodologies.
Key Skills Competencies
- Strong project management capability in an automotive product development environment.
- Proven experience with interior trim systems and premium materials.
- Excellent cross‑functional leadership and communication skills.
- Ability to manage complex stakeholders, including luxury OEM customers.
- High attention to detail with a strong quality mindset.
- Confident decision‑making under time and cost pressure.
- Structured, methodical, and delivery‑focused approach.
Qualifications Experience
- Essential: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent; 5+ years’ experience in automotive engineering or project management; Proven negotiation and presentation skills; Experience delivering interior trim or cabin systems; Strong understanding of automotive development processes; Experience working with OEMs and/or Tier 1 suppliers.
- Desirable: Experience in the luxury or premium automotive segment; Knowledge of materials such as leather, textiles, veneers, plastics, and decorative finishes; Formal project management qualification.
Personal Attributes
- Passion for premium/luxury automotive design and craftsmanship.
- Strong ownership mentality and accountability.
- Resilient and able to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy.
- Collaborative leadership style.
- Commercially aware with a customer‑first mindset.
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, duties responsibilities associated with the position.
Engineering Project Manager - Contractor employer: Poltrona Frau | KJ Ryan Ltd
As an Engineering Project Manager in Coventry, you will join a dynamic Tier 1 automotive environment that prioritises innovation and quality craftsmanship. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, offering opportunities to lead cross-functional teams and engage with luxury OEM customers, all while enjoying competitive benefits and a commitment to excellence in the automotive industry.
Contact Details:
Poltrona Frau | KJ Ryan Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Project Manager - Contractor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the automotive industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their products, especially in interior trim systems, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your project management experience and how you’ve successfully led cross-functional teams. Use specific examples that highlight your skills in managing timing, cost, and quality targets. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that Engineering Project Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Project Manager - Contractor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Engineering Project Manager role. Highlight your experience with interior trim systems and project management in the automotive sector. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about premium automotive design and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your project management capabilities. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve successfully delivered projects on time and within budget. We love numbers!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Poltrona Frau | KJ Ryan Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of interior trim systems and the automotive development processes like APQP and DFM/DFA. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex projects, especially in an automotive environment. Highlight how you handled project timing, cost, and quality targets, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain how you would manage customer relationships and keep everyone updated on project status, as strong communication is key in this position.
✨Demonstrate Your Quality Mindset
Be prepared to discuss your approach to ensuring high-quality craftsmanship in your projects. Share specific instances where you addressed quality issues or implemented improvements, showing that you have a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence.
