Project Manager (Defence and Aerospace) in Southampton

At TÜV SÜD we are passionate about technology. Innovations impact our daily lives in countless ways, and we are dedicated to being a part of that progress. We test, we audit, we inspect, we advise. We never stop challenging ourselves for the safety of society and its people. We breathe technology, we strive for professional excellence, and we leave a mark. We take the future into our hands. We are TÜV SÜD.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Project Management Team, working with the latest cutting-edge technologies at the forefront of the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) industry. The role is based out of the laboratory testing facilities located at Segensworth in Fareham. The core market sectors are focused upon Defence, Aerospace and Rail applications.

As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for managing the client and business expectations during the test and certification projects to ensure that they meet contractual deliverables/timescales and that costs are within budget. The testing will focus upon components which are used in transport applications, with a specialism upon extensive laboratory based environmental testing, mechanical shock, vibration and packaging testing, defence and civil EMC testing, battery testing, radio frequency, product safety and SAR testing services. You will be responsible for the final test report product being delivered correctly and promptly to enable the client’s qualification programs to progress.

Our ability to listen to the customer, identify their exact requirements and respond quickly with a technical and commercial solution sets us apart from our competitors, therefore this role will ideally suit a candidate with an ability to work well in a team, be highly organised and has a strong customer focus. Your experience will either be directly from within the testing area or alternatively, you will have exposure and experience of product qualification through direct engagement with external Test House suppliers or inhouse testing capability within one of the core market sectors mentioned above.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Acting as principal intermediary between the client and the testing facilities from the beginning to the end of projects.
• Ensure all projects are delivered on-time, within scope and within budget, ensuring that profit margins are preserved and any issues affecting profitability are resolved.
• Managing client’s expectations, commercially during their projects, provide a detailed project plan to track progress.
• Working with the test supervisors to ensure the timely delivery of test samples and supporting documentation, smooth workflow and problem solving.
• Management of projects ensuring on time and accurate delivery of contractual deliverables to ensure prompt and accurate invoicing at the earliest opportunities during each month.
• Ensuring accurate project forecasts are kept current and up to date by using the business project management tool.
• Ensuring full and compliant use of business tools.
• Coordinate internal resources, subcontract testing, third parties/vendors and specialist equipment hire to ensure projects are scheduled effectively.
• Visiting clients as and when required.
• Conducting all administrative tasks associated with the project delivery process.

Essential Criteria:

• Laboratory based product testing knowledge of the industry or industry experience of product qualification using laboratory-based product testing.
• Exceptional organisation skills and the ability to multitask and prioritise workload based on client and business requirements.
• Consistent ability to deliver, plan for contingencies, and look for opportunities to improve.
• A good understanding of customers’ needs and perspectives and strives to improve customer experience.
• A good understanding of practical financial issues and commercial fundamentals. Understanding of the key profit drivers and how areas/functions contribute to the profitability of the business.
• A track record of exercising a good balance between technical judgement and commercial awareness.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office packages and bespoke business tools.
• A good team player with a positive “can-do” attitude who actively and positively engages with colleagues with a proactive approach to change and self-development.
• An excellent communicator - written, face-to-face and by telephone.
• Self-driven and results orientated.

Our core values are “Own it”, “Improve it” & “Make it Positive” – candidates who possess this mind set, and who look to continually strive for improvement, in both their direct and in-direct areas of responsibility are those who excel at TUV SUD.

Further Information:

TÜV SÜD in the UK offers a competitive salary and benefits package that includes a minimum of 33 days holiday entitlement (for full-time employees, including public holidays), a contributory Group Personal Pension Plan and a non-contributory Group Life Assurance Scheme. We also offer various Salary Exchange/Sacrifice schemes (buying/selling holiday, cycle to work scheme, pensions), incentive schemes and comprehensive wellbeing support (Employee Assistance Programme, Dental Scheme and Occupational Health services). Dependent on their role, employees may also be eligible for hybrid/permanent home-working, a Company Car/Car Allowance and Private Medical Insurance.

At TÜV SÜD, we have employees from more than 100 different countries collaborating together. People of different backgrounds, skills, and pursuing different life goals. Our strength comes from these countless and varied perspectives.

We are committed to be an inclusive and diverse workplace by welcoming people of all backgrounds. We want Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) to be a foundation of our company and create an environment where all our employees can trust they will be treated with respect, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic background, faith, beliefs, disabilities, age, sexual orientation, or identity. As such, our employees are expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with TÜV SÜD Code of Ethics and Company values.

We firmly believe embedding D&I in the heart of what we do will inherently contribute to the success of TÜV SÜD.