Product Manager - Launch

Select Engineering; Coventry; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Lear is seeking a Project Manager to lead automotive seating launch programmes from pre-series builds through production. You will drive on-time delivery, meet budget and quality targets, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Working with a cross-functional team, you will manage risks, communicate with stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement across the project lifecycle to achieve customer and business objectives.

Qualifications

• Proven project/programme management experience ideally within a Tier 1 supplier environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end automotive seating launch from pre-production through to SOP and serial production support.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

APQP/PPAP

IATF 16949

MS Project/Primavera

Cost control

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Project Management Qualification

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

Lear are seeking a Project Manager to join their launch team and lead delivery complex automotive seating programmes from pre-series builds through to production launch and serial manufacture. The role ensures projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, while meeting customer and business objectives.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, program, engineering, commercial and plant operations support functions, the Project Manager will drive launch execution, manage risks and opportunities, and ensures compliance with automotive industry standards and customer-specific requirements.

The role serves as the primary point of accountability for launch performance on specific projects, fostering collaboration, effective communication, and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle..

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

KEY SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Lead end-to-end project management of automotive seating launch from pre-production through to SOP (Start of Production) and serial production support.
• Ensure delivery of all project milestones in line with customer timing, cost, quality, and performance requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and execute detailed project plans, including timing schedules, resource allocation, and critical path analysis.
• Act as the primary interface between plant team and the Program, Engineering and commercial teams, ensuring clear communication, alignment on deliverables, and proactive issue resolution.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Logistics, and Finance to ensure successful programme execution.
• Manage programme budgets, track financial performance, and drive cost optimisation opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues, escalating where necessary and ensuring timely resolution.
• Ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements, internal standards, and automotive quality systems (e.g., IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP).
• Lead APQP activities and ensure all required deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
• Monitor and report project status, KPIs, and performance metrics to internal stakeholders and senior management.
• Support change management activities, including engineering changes, cost impacts, and timing adjustments.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance programme execution efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure lessons learned are captured and applied to future programmes to improve organisational capability.

Key Skills:

Preferred

• Project Management experience
• Proficient in electronic systems.

Required

• Proven project/programme management experience ideally within a Tier 1 supplier environment
• Strong knowledge of automotive development processes, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and IATF 16949 standards
• Experience managing full project lifecycle through SOP and into serial production support
• Solid technical understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, and industrialisation
• Proficiency in project planning tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent) with strong analytical and reporting capability
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams effectively
• Leadership, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to influence without direct authority
• Good understanding of cost control, budgeting, and financial tracking for engineering programmes
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced global environment while maintaining accuracy and delivery focus
• Strong problem-solving ability with a proactive, results-driven mindset and commitment to continuous improvement and lean principles

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Automotive) or related technical field

Required Qualifications:

• Project Management Qualification

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Highly self-motivated and target focused
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Proactive and strategic approach
• High work capacity and not limited to working hours
• Influencing skills and Professional approach
• A positive problem-solving attitude must prevail to guide and coach the cross functional team

HEALTH, SAFTEY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ensure a safe working environment, follow, support, and maintain working practices, comply with all relevant HSE legislation and local policies and procedures – Additional Responsibilities detailed in the HS&E Manual.