Programme Manager in Witham

To lead programme management activities across all Engineering and Operations, ensuring that programmes are delivered efficiently, cost-effectively, and in full alignment with company standards for high-end, ultra-premium automotive products. The role is responsible for enforcing adherence to established engineering processes, supporting timely and accurate customer order fulfilment, and promoting a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with both internal objectives and customer expectations.
• Maintain clear, direct, and professional communication with customers throughout the programme lifecycle.
• Lead change management with the customer to control cost and timing, while maintaining trust.
• Manage and develop the people resources within the Programmes team, providing clear direction, setting priorities and ensuring effective delivery of programme coordination, reporting and administrative activities.
• Develop comprehensive programme timelines, tracking progress against key milestones and proactively addressing any deviations.
• Monitor the programme financial business case (product cost, selling price, volume and investments) and ROR (risk & opportunity register), both internally and from the customer’s perspective, ensuring financial targets are met.
• Manage reviews of engineering releases (ETRS), supplier nomination, issue management and launch readiness.
• Identify, assess, and communicate risks and opportunities, escalating issues to the Programme Director and relevant stakeholders as appropriate.
• Lead regular programme reviews with cross-functional teams, to ensure all deliverables are well-coordinated and on track.
• Maintain accurate documentation of key decisions, actions, and communications with customers to ensure traceability and alignment.
• Prepare clear, concise, and insightful programme reports, highlighting progress, key metrics, issues, and outcomes.
• Provide regular status updates and reporting to senior internal stakeholders, supporting programme visibility and informed decision-making.
• Maintain a positive and constructive approach in dealing with issues internally and with the customer.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Project Management, Business, or a related discipline.
• Project Management certification such as PRINCE2, PMP, Agile PM, or equivalent (preferred or required depending on the role).
• Additional training in Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is advantageous
• Demonstrable experience of managing, mentoring and supporting team members, with the ability to provide clear direction, set priorities and develop individual capability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to build strong working relationships and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams, negotiating diplomatically with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capability to apply innovative and practical solutions to complex engineering or operational challenges.
• Strong time management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in high-pressure environments.
• A demonstrated commercial awareness, with an understanding of how engineering decisions impact cost, timelines, and customer satisfaction.
• High levels of adaptability, confidence, and a positive, proactive attitude in dynamic or changing programme environments.
• Strong literacy, numeracy, and general IT proficiency.

Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum, subject to skills and experience

#J-18808-Ljbffr