Projects and Planning Manage, Full time, Monday-Friday, Salary: £50,000–£60,000 (DOE) Location: Gloucestershire (GL54 area)
We are working with a rapidly growing engineering and automation business seeking an experienced Projects & Planning Manager to take ownership of multiple complex, bespoke automation and machinery projects.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing and engineering environment where every project is unique. The successful candidate will be deeply involved in the planning, scheduling, and coordination of concurrent projects ensuring everything runs smoothly from design through to FAT and customer delivery.
This is not a strategic oversight role; it’s hands-on, operational project management. You’ll be right at the heart of production, collaborating with engineering, build, and fabrication teams to keep projects on track, within budget, and delivered to the highest standards.
Key Responsibilities
1. Manage multiple bespoke automation projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and quality targets are achieved
2. Plan, schedule, and track progress using project management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar)
3. Oversee resource allocation, identify bottlenecks, and drive proactive solutions
4. Liaise closely with engineering and workshop teams to maintain efficiency and clarity across all projects
5. Monitor KPIs and project performance metrics, providing clear updates to leadership and stakeholders
6. Lead daily stand-ups and weekly production meetings
7. Support continuous improvement and lessons-learned reviews post-project
8. Supervise key operational leads and ensure accurate reporting, timesheets, and performance management
You will need to demonstrate:
9. At least 5 years’ experience managing multiple concurrent projects
10. Hands-on proficiency in project management software (MS Project, Smartsheet, etc.)
11. ERP system experience (SAP preferred, but not essential)
12. Strong resource planning and budgeting skills
13. Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities
14. Experience driving delivery in a fast-paced, changeable environment
15. The ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain control across several moving parts
Preferred background:
Candidates from automotive or rail sectors typically do not align with this role due to its bespoke, non-waterfall nature. We’re seeking individuals comfortable with agile, hands-on, and adaptive project delivery in automation, machinery, or manufacturing sectors.
On Location
The role is based on-site in Gloucestershire (GL54 area). Given the hands-on nature of the position, the successful candidate must live within a sensible, commutable distance (taking local traffic into account) Once established in the role, there may be scope to work from home one day per week.
Package & Benefits
16. Salary: £50,000–£60,000 OTE (dependent on experience)
17. KPI-linked bonus opportunities
18. Contributory pension scheme
19. Private health insurance (post-probation, includes dependants)
20. Cycle-to-work scheme
21. 21 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with long-service enhancements)