Engineering Programme Manager

Caudwell Marine Limited; Coventry; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative engineering start-up is seeking an Engineering Programme Manager in Coventry. You will lead the planning and execution of NPI programs, ensuring engineering excellence. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in engineering project management, particularly in automotive or marine industries, and excels in communication and stakeholder management. This is a full-time role offering a mid-senior level position.

Qualifications

• 5+ years managing NPI programmes in automotive or marine environments.
• Proven ability to lead during all phases of product development.
• Experience with supply chain and manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPI programs, ensuring timely delivery of milestones.
• Coordinate between engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing.
• Manage complex technical programmes with aggressive schedules.

Skills

Engineering programme management

Cross-functional team leadership

Product development lifecycle understanding

Excellent communication skills

Stakeholder management

Tools

Programme management tools

Job description

Caudwell Marine is an innovative start‑up engineering company, financially backed by John Caudwell, entrepreneur, business leader and philanthropist. We are developing a revolutionary patented outboard motor and Vessel Control System scheduled for launch in 2025.

As a growing and dynamic team, we are passionate about bringing this cutting‑edge technology to market. At Caudwell Marine, every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of our product. With a collaborative and hands‑on approach, we foster an environment of mutual support, where each person’s expertise drives the success of our ambitious plan.

As an Engineering Programme Manager, you will play a key role in driving the strategic delivery of new product programmes, ensuring engineering excellence and operational readiness across the organisation.

This position requires a confident, articulate leader who can communicate effectively at all levels and maintain composure and clarity under pressure, demonstrating a professional level of assertiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end planning and execution of NPI programs, ensuring timely delivery of engineering and manufacturing milestones.
• Drive cross‑functional coordination between engineering, supply chain, quality, and manufacturing.
• Develop and manage detailed program timelines, risk registers, and mitigation strategies.
• Manage multiple product development cycles and ramp to mass production.
• Oversee prototype builds, production test development, and tooling readiness.
• Ensure supplier and manufacturing readiness.
• Monitor and control program budgets.
• Facilitate phase‑gate reviews and ensure exit criteria are met at each stage.
• Identify, track, and resolve program risks and issues in a timely manner.
• Prepare and deliver regular program updates to leadership and key stakeholders.
• Foster collaboration, constructive dialogue and build trust with all stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

• Suitable experience in engineering programme or project management, with 5+ years specifically managing NPI programmes in an automotive or marine environment.
• Proven experience leading cross‑functional teams through all phases of product development and launch.
• Strong understanding of product development life cycles and phase‑gate processes.
• Experience with supply chain and manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical programmes with aggressive schedules and multiple dependencies.
• Experience working within a business engineering framework, with a strong product‑focused approach.
• Proven experience in the delivery of major programmes, with familiarity and practical understanding of APQP.
• Proficiency with programme management tools.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to a non‑technical audience effectively.
• Self‑starter who is flexible and adaptable to changing schedules.
• Ability to exhibit leadership qualities to guide teams and ensure project alignment. This includes the ability to delegate tasks, motivate team members, and manage conflicts.

Other

• Location: Coventry

Disclaimer

Caudwell Marine operates a Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for recruitment agencies, which is currently not under review. Agencies not on our PSL are kindly requested to refrain from submitting speculative CVs or contacting our hiring managers or employees directly regarding recruitment matters.
Any CVs submitted by non‑PSL agencies, whether speculative or otherwise, will be treated as unsolicited.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Maritime Transportation