Project Manager in Bedford

UTAC is a market-leading international group in digital & sustainable mobility, customisable testing solutions, vehicle engineering, homologation, regulatory advice & expertise, certification, training, corporate events and classic & sportscars festivals. The Group provides services and systems to customers in various sectors: mobility, transport, tyre, petrochemical, agriculture and defence industries. UTAC operates test centres and laboratories in France, the UK, USA, Finland, Morocco, and Germany; it has subsidiaries in China, Korea and Japan. UTAC employs around 1300 people across its various locations.

As a group, we share a strong and clear vision to deliver safe and efficient solutions and systems to our customers. Our core values of Expertise, Innovation and Integrity provide a clear daily guide to how we work together safely, as one team, helping each other to succeed.

A member of the UTAC Special Vehicles UK Team, this role should provide Project Management and project management support to UTAC Special Vehicles. We are a project orientated business and see a large number of various project types. Project types can vary from in service support of vehicle fleets through to managing a ground up vehicle development/conversion project.

The role will primarily involve the support of a vehicle fleet in service and for ad hoc engineering activities and programmes associated with it. In addition, support will be required for smaller projects.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Project Manage a range of project types including vehicle maintenance and repair, vehicle conversion and enhancement, system integration, vehicle test verification and validation.
• Cost control to include managing budgets, actual spend and forecasted cash-flow, tracking targets, P&L accounts for board review, invoicing status and margins.
• You will need a detailed knowledge of the vehicle design and development and vehicle assembly New Product Introduction processes.
• A working knowledge of vehicle technical, legislative and certification requirements.
• Scheduling, primarily using MSP to track progress, monitor performance with KPI’s, highlight delays and plan on how to mitigate them.
• Bill of materials management, engaging with engineering team to ensure timely critical design releases and Engineering Timing and Release Schedule (ETRS) methodology.
• Managing contract deliverables and Contract Amendments.
• Managing Concessions and Design Change Requests.
• Managing Subcontracts and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• Projects Status Reporting to the Managing Director of Special Vehicles, the Finance department and to the Client.
• Chair of meetings, minute taking and report writing.
• Manage or support bid preparation.
• Managing resources, both internal and external, in conjunction with the leadership in Special Vehicles.
• Managing quality and ensuring processes and procedures adhere to ISO accreditations, striving for best practice at all times.
• Able to develop and improve a strong supply chain through audit support and participation.
• A knowledge of manufacturing processes and methodologies.
• A required knowledge of inventory and stock control management process.
• Procurement of project material and interacting with the Purchasing Department. Tracking and approving expenditure.
• Managing stakeholder relationships and provide updates.
• Continually seek ways to improve the business and align your colleagues to this activity.
• Coach, share knowledge and train internal and external personnel.
• Be responsible for maintaining a working environment in accordance to health and safety standards.
• Focus on continuous improvement - working with the engineering and production leadership teams to improve efficiency/quality during build.
• Act in accordance with the code of conduct for UTAC group staff at all times.

Core competencies:

• Good Level of understanding of the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of PDM systems & processes would be advantageous.
• Technical minute taking.
• Good understanding of Quality Control management processes.
• Familiarity of working in an ISO 90001 environment.
• Good understanding of Safety & Environmental management processes.
• Willing to undergo a Criminal Disclosure check.
• SC clearance or ability to achieve this if not already held (UK national with residency in the UK for the last 5 years).
• Full UK driving license.

Qualifications

• Recognised project management qualification or certification - APMP, PRINCE 2.

Personal Behaviours:

• Desire to provide excellent service and produce best in class results.
• A cradle to grave mentality for ownership of actions.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Problem solving mentality, an agent for change, establishing, driving and embracing industry best practice.
• Pragmatic, ability to work proactively within a team and provide self-starting leadership when the opportunity presents.
• Confident and robust.

Additional Information

For you, as a potential UTAC SV team member, we believe that the international and diverse nature of our business combined with the passion, energy and friendliness of our people create a great place to work. UTAC is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, valuing inclusion and supporting our people to be themselves and at their very best. By joining us you will gain access to a broad range of learning relevant to your role and personal development, as well as exposure to leading technologies and expertise. Our reward and benefit programmes are designed to support our people with competitive and locally tailored packages combined with support for individual health and wellbeing both inside and outside of work. In the UK this includes; Life Cover, Access to a wide range of discounts and offers via the Perkz reward scheme, Recognition awards linked to our UTAC values of Expertise, Innovation and Integrity, Contributory pension schemes, Attractive family friendly policies; maternity, paternity, shared parental leave, flexible working, Access to a variety of employee assistance support services.

Learn more about UTAC and what and how we do what we do at for positions at UTAC must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the country the role is based in. Immigration visa sponsorship is not available for this position.