Programme Manager

DRVN Automotive Group; Coventry; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DRVN Automotive Group is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead the delivery of complex bespoke vehicle programmes from concept through to production and handover. The role sits at the heart of our niche manufacturing environment, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced, high-precision setting.

The successful candidate will shape detailed plans, manage risks, and drive continuous improvement across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier networks, ensuring on-time,

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading complex vehicle programmes from concept to handover.
• Strong stakeholder management across engineering, procurement, and operations.
• Experience in low-volume / bespoke manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to meet quality, cost, and schedule.
• Develop detailed programme plans, milestones, and resource forecasts.
• Oversee production ramp-up and customer delivery.
• Provide regular reporting to senior leadership on risks and progress.

Skills

Programme management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Risk management

Change control

Education

PRINCE2

PMP

Engineering degree

Tools

APQP

PPAP

MS Projects

Job description

We are seeking an additional experienced and driven Programme Manager to lead the delivery of complex vehicle programmes within a niche specialist manufacturing environment. This role will oversee the full lifecycle of bespoke and low-volume vehicles, from concept and development through to production and customer delivery., Our products Evoluto, along with the reimagination of some of Ford Motor Company's most historically significant icons - including the RS200 and MK1 Escort places DRVN at the forefront of modern automotive excellence. These projects provide our engineers with an exceptional platform to showcase their skills across various disciplines and be part of some of the most exciting modernisation programmes the industry has ever seen.

Programme Leadership

• Lead cross-functional programme teams to deliver specialist vehicle projects to quality, cost, and timing (QCT) objectives
• Act as the primary point of accountability for programme delivery from concept design to production ramp-up and customer handover
• Develop and maintain detailed programme plans, milestones, and resource forecasts

Product Development & Engineering Integration

• Coordinate closely with engineering, design, and technical teams to manage vehicle development phases
• Ensure design readiness aligns with manufacturing and operational requirements
• Drive engineering change control processes and manage design maturity throughout programme lifecycle

Manufacturing & Operational Delivery

• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure efficient build processes, production readiness, and capability alignment
• Support transition from prototype builds to low-volume or series production environments
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with bespoke builds, supply chain constraints, and production complexity

Stakeholder Management

• Engage internal stakeholders including engineering, procurement, quality, and operations teams
• Interface with customers, suppliers, and external partners where required
• Provide regular programme reporting to senior leadership, highlighting risks, issues, and progress

Risk & Change Management

• Identify programme risks early and implement mitigation strategies
• Manage change requests, scope evolution, and programme constraints effectively
• Ensure robust governance and adherence to programme management best practices

Commercial & Financial Oversight

• Manage programme budgets and monitor financial performance against targets
• Support commercial decisions relating to sourcing, development investments, and production costs
• Contribute to bid and proposal activities for new programmes, Please note that this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Right-to-work checks will be carried out in accordance with Home Office requirements.

Equality & Inclusion Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you

The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in special vehicle operations, motorsport, or high-performance engineering, combined with a deep understanding of product development, manufacturing processes, and programme delivery in a fast-paced, highly technical environment.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Programme Manager, Project Manager, or Delivery Lead in specialist vehicle manufacturing, motorsport, OEM, defense or low-volume engineering environments
• Strong knowledge of vehicle development, lifecycle and stage-gate processes
• Experience managing cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams
• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex programmes in high-pressure environments
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Strong problem-solving ability and decision-making under uncertainty

Desirable

• Background in motorsport, high-performance automotive, or bespoke vehicle engineering
• Experience with prototype builds, test & development programmes, and homologation processes
• Knowledge of supply chain management in low-volume manufacturing
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, or similar automotive quality frameworks
• Professional certification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP, Agile)

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised and delivery-focused with strong attention to detail
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous, and technically complex environments
• Collaborative leader able to influence without direct authority
• Passion for automotive engineering, motorsport, or specialist vehicles
• Resilient, adaptable, and proactive mindset

Working Environment

• Combination of office, engineering workshops, and manufacturing environments
• Occasional travel to suppliers, test facilities, or customer sites
• Hands-on engagement with vehicle builds and prototype development

Success Measures

• On-time, on-budget delivery of vehicle programmes
• Achievement of product performance and quality targets
• Effective risk mitigation and issue resolution
• Strong stakeholder satisfaction and customer outcomes

The DRVN Automotive Group is a sector-leading automotive group, specialising in the design, manufacture, and distribution of luxury automotive brands. Recognised globally for our commitment to innovation, quality, and engineering, we are proudly centred around delivering a world-class customer experience.