Lead Project Planner

I am recruiting for a Lead Project Planner to be responsible for the development, introduction, and launch of new and modified processes and facilities within my client's body shop assembly facility. As they prepare for future vehicle models, their focus is on creating technologically advanced Body shop assembly facilities that meet global standards.

I am seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Project Planner to join our Body In White (BIW) Delivery team. You will work closely with Product Development Engineers, Facility & Tooling vendors, and the Production Operations team to ensure the Body shop facility meets world-class quality and efficiency standards. This role requires a proactive leader who can manage complex projects and contribute to the success of our new model introductions and model year changes.

What will you be doing?

• Manage timing plans during launches to achieve Safety, Quality, Timing, and Cost objectives.
• Own and maintain the master schedule for all key launch milestones, incorporating inputs from dimensional, joining standards, and controls teams.
• Lead the creation of detailed day-by-day plans during each build phase, working closely with external launch teams, and maintain the build plan.
• Prepare, issue, and evaluate supplier "Request for Quotations."
• Conduct value-for-money checks post-RFQ submission and seek necessary spend approvals.
• Oversee free issue commodity procurement to ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate with process engineers to identify and mitigate commissioning risks.
• Lead daily start-ups, NEPT, and level 2 management sessions during launches.
• Undertake additional tasks as directed by the line manager.
  
  
  

What do you need to be great at this role?

• Proven experience in delivering and launching BIW assembly line facilities.
• Strong program management skills with proficiency in P6 or Microsoft Project.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and experience in addressing quality issues and manual station over cycles.
• Engineering qualification in Project Management (NVQ Level 3 or above, preferably in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or Mech/Elec combined) and/or relevant BIW manufacturing experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Catia.
• Self-motivated with excellent business behaviours and communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to evolving business environments.
• Ability to travel to various Midlands locations to support company expansion.
• Strong team player capable of effective communication and challenging at all organisational levels.
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams and take ownership of tasks to deliver results.
• Flexible work approach, with a willingness to work additional hours or weekends, especially during peak periods.
• Excellent planning and prioritisation skills to effectively deliver objectives.
• Customer-focused with a keen awareness of business needs.
• Ability to build and maintain good working relationships within internal and external organisations.
• Resilient character capable of thriving in a fast-paced, changing environment.
  
  
  

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at Otherwise, hit the apply button!