Premium Automotive Interior Program Lead in Coventry

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.