Engineering Project Manager

Poltrona Frau | KJ Ryan Ltd; Coventry; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Poltrona Frau | KJ Ryan Ltd seeks an Engineering Project Manager to lead development and industrialisation of interior trim systems for UK OEMs in a Tier 1 environment. You will drive cross-functional delivery from RFQ through SOP to serial production, ensuring craftsmanship, quality, and cost targets are met.

You will interface between OEM customers, design, engineering and manufacturing teams, coordinating feasibility, validation and industrialisation activities while maintaining schedule and

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years in automotive engineering or project management.
• Experience delivering interior trim or cabin systems.
• Knowledge of APQP, FMA, DFM/DFA, and related development processes.
• Experience with OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional project teams delivering interior trim systems and components (e.g. instrument panels, door panels, consoles, headliners, cabin trim).
• Accountable for project timing, cost, scope, and quality targets from quotation through SOP and into series production.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, milestones, and resource forecasts.
• Manage change control (engineering changes, cost impacts, timing implications).
• Serve as central technical interface between design, engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and OEM customers.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Quality mindset

Decision making under pressure

Structured delivery

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

APQP

DFM/DFA

DFMEA

PFMEA

DVP&R

Job description

The Engineering Project Manager is responsible for leading the development and industrialisation of interior trim systems for UK OEM customers. Working within a Tier 1 automotive environment, the role drives cross functional project delivery from RFQ award through development (Can be Make to Print or Fully Deign Responsible) to SOP and into serial production, ensuring products meet stringent customer craftsmanship requirements, quality, cost, and timing.

The role acts as the primary interface between OEM customer, internal engineering and manufacturing teams, and the Tier 2 supply base.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross‑functional project teams delivering interior trim systems and components (e.g. instrument panels, door panels, consoles, headliners, cabin trim).
• Accountable for project timing, cost, scope, and quality targets from quotation through SOP and into series production.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, milestones, and resource forecasts.
• Manage change control (engineering changes, cost impacts, timing implications).

Engineering & Technical Coordination

• Act as the central technical interface between design, engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and OEM customers.
• Coordinate concept feasibility, design maturation, validation, and industrialisation activities.
• Ensure compliance with automotive standards, OEM specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure systems and components are Engineered to piece and tooling cost targets.
• Support DFM/DFA, DFMEA, PFMEA, DVP&R and APQP activities.

Luxury Quality & Craftsmanship

• Ensure aesthetic, tactile, and perceived quality targets are achieved (fit, finish, gap & flush, material harmony).
• Drive resolution of premium quality issues, including surface finish, material behaviour, and visual appearance.
• Support build events, design reviews, and aesthetic sign‑off gates.
• Manage project budgets, tooling investment, and cost targets.
• Support quotation activities and commercial reviews.
• Track project financial performance and implement recovery plans where required.
• Serve as primary customer contact for assigned projects.
• Prepare and deliver regular project status updates to internal leadership and customers.
• Manage escalation paths for technical, quality, or timing risks.
• Identify project risks early and proactively implement mitigation plans.
• Lead problem‑solving activities using structured methodologies.
• Ensure timely closure of open actions and issues.
• Strong project management capability in an automotive product development environment
• Proven experience with interior trim systems and premium materials
• Excellent cross‑functional leadership and communication skills
• Ability to manage complex stakeholders, including luxury OEM customers
• High attention to detail with a strong quality mindset
• Confident decision‑making under time and cost pressure
• Structured, methodical, and delivery‑focused approach

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent
• 5+ years’ experience in automotive engineering or project management
• Proven negotiation and presentation skills
• Experience delivering interior trim or cabin systems
• Strong understanding of automotive development processes (APQP, FMA, DFM/DFA etc)
• Experience working with OEMs and/or Tier 1 suppliers
• Aptitude for Problem Solving & Innovation
• Experience in the luxury or premium automotive segment
• Knowledge of materials such as leather, textiles, veneers, plastics, and decorative finishes

Personal Attributes

• Passion for premium/luxury automotive design and craftsmanship
• Strong ownership mentality and accountability
• Resilient and able to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy
• Collaborative leadership style
• Commercially aware with a customer‑first mindset

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, duties & responsibilities associated with the position.