At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in luxury automotive interior trim development.
- Company: Join a prestigious Tier 1 automotive company focused on craftsmanship.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to work on premium products.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the luxury automotive sector with cutting-edge design.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and 5+ years in automotive project management.
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 (can be Make to Print or Fully Design Responsible) 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 (e.g. instrument panels, door panels, consoles, headliners, cabin trim).
- 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 changes, cost impacts, timing implications).
- 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.
- Ensure systems and components are Engineered to piece and tooling cost targets.
- Support DFM/DFA, DFMEA, PFMEA, DVP&R and APQP activities.
- Luxury Quality & Craftsmanship
- Ensure aesthetic, tactile, and perceived quality targets are achieved (fit, finish, gap & flush, material harmony).
- Drive resolution of premium quality issues, including surface finish, material behaviour, and visual appearance.
- 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.
- Ensure timely closure of open actions and issues.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related/equivalent discipline.
- 5+ years’ experience in automotive engineering or project management, preferable in the luxury or premium automotive segment.
- Experience delivering interior trim or cabin systems.
- Strong understanding of automotive development processes (APQP, FMA, DFM/DFA etc).
- Experience working with OEMs and/or Tier 1 suppliers.
- Nice to have: knowledge of materials such as leather, textiles, veneers, plastics, and decorative finishes.
- Nice to have: formal project management qualification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent).
Skills & Abilities
- Strong project management capability in an automotive product development environment.
- 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.
- Proven negotiation and presentation skills.
- 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.
- Aptitude for Problem Solving & Innovation.
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.
Poltrona Frau in Motion/KJ Ryan Engineering Project Manager in Coventry employer: POLTRONA FRAU S.P.A.
At Poltrona Frau, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the luxury automotive sector. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a culture that values craftsmanship and quality, ensuring that our team members are equipped to excel in their roles. Located in the heart of the UK automotive industry, we provide a unique opportunity to work with prestigious OEM customers, driving projects that shape the future of interior trim systems while enjoying a supportive and engaging workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Poltrona Frau in Motion/KJ Ryan Engineering Project Manager in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the automotive industry, especially those who work with interior trim systems. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s projects and values. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their craftsmanship and quality standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Poltrona Frau in Motion/KJ Ryan Engineering Project Manager in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Engineering Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in automotive engineering and project management, especially with interior trim systems. 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 luxury 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 skills and ability to meet quality and timing targets. Numbers and examples can really make your application stand out to us!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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 on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at POLTRONA FRAU S.P.A.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of automotive engineering processes, especially APQP and DFM/DFA. Familiarise yourself with the specific interior trim systems and components mentioned in the job description, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous project management experiences in detail. Highlight how you've led cross-functional teams and managed complex stakeholders, particularly in luxury or premium automotive environments. Use specific examples to illustrate your success in meeting timing, cost, and quality targets.
✨Demonstrate Your Quality Mindset
Since the role emphasises luxury quality and craftsmanship, be ready to talk about how you've ensured high-quality standards in past projects. Discuss any experience you have with resolving quality issues and maintaining aesthetic and tactile quality in automotive design.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare structured responses that showcase your approach to identifying risks and implementing mitigation plans. Think of specific challenges you've faced and how you successfully navigated them, especially under pressure.
