PMO Project Manager

Group Lotus

Hethel, United Kingdom

Role Purpose

The Project Manager is responsible for supporting the successful delivery of external client projects, ensuring programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Working closely with commercial, engineering, and project teams, the role will oversee project activities from proposal alignment through to project closure, managing project performance, risks, resources, and stakeholder communication throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with commercial and project teams to deliver external client projects from proposal alignment through to project completion and closure.
Manage low-risk and/or lower-cost external client projects, ensuring successful delivery against agreed objectives.
Develop and maintain project schedules, action plans, and programme timelines, tracking progress and ensuring key milestones are achieved.
Support programme planning activities and contribute to the development and maintenance of project master schedules.
Monitor project budgets and financial performance, providing accurate reporting and metrics for project and senior management reviews.
Ensure project quality requirements are achieved by embedding NPDS processes and/or client-specific gateways and milestones into project plans.
Monitor project deliverables and ensure all requirements are accurately captured, documented, and delivered.
Track project resource requirements against actual utilisation, providing reporting and analysis to support project reviews and management decision-making.
Produce regular project status reports, highlighting progress, risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
Drive follow-up actions and corrective measures to ensure project objectives remain on track throughout the development lifecycle.
Lead project meetings and support communication with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective project governance.
Ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed cost, quality, and delivery targets while maintaining strong client relationships.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

A-Level standard qualifications or equivalent.

Knowledge & Experience

Experience in vehicle and/or powertrain programme delivery.
Financial awareness with experience monitoring project budgets and performance.
Project management experience within an automotive engineering environment.

Skills & Competencies

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Natural leadership ability with the confidence to influence stakeholders.
Process-driven approach with strong organisational and planning skills.
Excellent communication and reporting capabilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively within cross-functional teams.

Personal Attributes

Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and influence others.
Outgoing, confident, and articulate communicator.
Strong work ethic with a proactive and self-motivated approach.
Ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively as part of a wider team.
Results-focused with a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

Engineering degree or relevant Project Management qualification.

Knowledge & Experience

Project management experience within a consultancy environment.
Experience managing customer-facing engineering programmes.
Knowledge of automotive product development processes and stage-gate delivery methodologies.