Manufacturing Project Manager in Luton, Bedfordshire

The Role

We are looking for a motivated and organised Project Manager to join a busy engineering and manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing projects from planning through to delivery, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget and in line with customer expectations.

This is a fully site-based position in Luton, offering an opportunity to work on technically challenging engineering projects. Applications are welcome from experienced Project Managers as well as junior candidates with around 2–5 years of relevant hands-on experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of projects, monitoring progress, budgets, risks and delivery milestones.
• Coordinate internal teams, suppliers and subcontractors to ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed schedules and budgets.
• Monitor project performance against contract requirements, taking action where necessary to maintain delivery timescales and expected margins.
• Identify project risks and opportunities, implementing appropriate mitigation plans.
• Provide regular project updates and contribute to formal contract and milestone reviews.
• Lead project reviews and capture lessons learned to support continuous improvement.
• Work with Sales, Engineering, Purchasing and Production to improve project delivery, product quality and cost efficiency.
• Support bid preparation by assessing project requirements, risks, compliance and delivery plans.
• Establish clear project plans, responsibilities and delivery milestones.
• Ensure projects meet customer specifications, contractual obligations and relevant industry standards.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of project management processes, systems and tools.
• Maintain effective communication with customers and internal stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills & Experience

Experience in project management within a manufacturing.

Around 2–5 years of relevant experience for junior applicants, with more experienced candidates also encouraged to apply.

Degree, higher or advanced apprenticeship in Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.

Strong project planning, organisational and risk management skills.

Good commercial awareness, with the ability to monitor budgets, costs and project performance.

Confident decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

A proactive, motivated and collaborative approach.

Experience with PRINCE2, APM PMQ or an equivalent project management qualification would be advantageous.

Eligibility requirements: Due to the nature of the projects, applicants must be British citizens or hold dual nationality, including British citizenship, and be able to meet any applicable security clearance, export control and customer-specific requirements.

The Package

Salary of £35,000–£55,000, depending on experience.

Fully site-based role in Luton.

Training and professional development opportunities.

Contributory pension scheme and life assurance.

Annual leave, with the option to purchase additional holidays.

Healthcare cash-back scheme and virtual GP access.

Employee assistance programme.

Cycle-to-work scheme and employee discounts.

Recognition and reward schemes.