Project Manager
Role Purpose
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager or Senior Manufacturing Engineer to support the early stages of complex manufacturing projects. The role will focus on defining scope, creating robust work breakdown structures (WBS), planning resources, and working in close partnership with the Program Manager to establish strong project foundations that enable predictable delivery.
This position is critical in translating high-level program objectives into structured, executable project plans, ensuring technical, manufacturing, cost, and schedule considerations are embedded from the outset.
Key Responsibilities
Early-Stage Project Definition
- Support front-end project activities, including concept development, feasibility, and initial planning phases
- Translate program objectives into a clear project scope, deliverables, and success criteria
- Lead development of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) aligned to program milestones
Planning & Resource Management
- Develop detailed project plans, including schedules, dependencies, and critical paths
- Identify and plan resource requirements (engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, external partners)
- Support budget estimates, cost models, and early financial forecasts
Stakeholder & Program Integration
- Work closely with the Program Manager to ensure alignment between project execution and overall program goals
- Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Finance teams
- Act as a key interface between technical teams and program leadership
Manufacturing & Technical Input (if Senior Manufacturing Engineer background)
- Provide early manufacturing input into product and process design
- Influence design for manufacturability (DFM), industrialisation strategy, and production readiness
- Support make/buy decisions and early supplier engagement
Risk & Governance
- Identify, assess, and document project risks and opportunities
- Develop mitigation and contingency plans
- Ensure appropriate project controls, reviews, and governance structures are in place
Documentation & Reporting
- Produce clear project documentation including plans, assumptions, risks, and dependencies
- Support regular status reporting, highlighting progress, risks, and required decisions
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Proven experience working in early-stage projects within a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Strong experience creating and managing work breakdown structures (WBS)
- Solid understanding of resource planning, scheduling, and cost estimation
- Experience working in matrix organisations and cross-functional teams
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Ability to operate with a high level of ambiguity and shape structure where little exists
Desirable
- Background as a Project Manager or Senior Manufacturing Engineer
- Experience supporting or working within large programs
- Knowledge of product development and industrialisation lifecycle
- Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g. PMI, PRINCE2, Agile/Hybrid)
FAQs
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