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Preparations & Project Manager – Cranfield Precision (Subsidiary)
Position Summary
The key objective of this role is to streamline Cranfield Precision’s subsidiary operations by efficiently preparing commercial proposals, costings, and quotations for client projects. Additionally, the role involves managing the delivery/execution of machine projects, covering the full lifecycle—from initial award through final acceptance and warranty completion.
This 50/50 split role between:
- Back-office sales (costing, quotations, proposal preparation)
- Project and programme delivery
Core Focusses
Back-Office Sales: Project Costing & Quotations
- Collaborate closely with the Sales Manager to grasp customer needs and provide timely, accurate back-office support.
- Align customer requirements with Cranfield Precision’s product capabilities.
- Travel occasionally to customer sites alongside Sales Managers to understand needs and present solutions.
- Produce prompt, precise costings based on customer enquiries and subsidiary strategic direction.
- Develop high-quality proposal packages (with technical input) and quotations, targeting opportunities strategically to showcase base scope and premium extras.
- Maintain, improve, and version-control standardised costing and proposal templates for each machine type, ensuring:
- Regular updates based on company ERP data and supplier/internal manufacturing quotations.
- Enhancements to make/buy strategy, supply chain efficiency, and cost/delivery optimisation (via supply chain alignment).
- Historical accuracy and tracking for continuous process improvements.
- Consistency between UK and US branch proposal and costing methodologies.
- Ensure ISO compliance, Fives Group Directives adherence for proposal revision control and documentation, while aligning with business strategy and profitability targets.
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Project & Programme Delivery
Once projects are secured:
- Create internal Factory Orders and Project Schedules, centralising them in the ERP system (SAP).
- Launch projects effectively within the business, ensuring:
- Manufacturing and supply chain teams receive clear project targets, timelines, and goals.
- Department heads support aligned resource planning.
- Coordination with Sales & Engineering in managing customer communication, compliance, and expectations.
- Track budgets and progress throughout projects via BiPro and AFI reporting for:
- Multiple presentations to business leadership.
- Collaborations with the Finance Team (budget support, cost-to-complete estimates).
- Proactively identify and mitigate risks with structured action plans.
- Act as the primary internal coordinator, representing Cranfield Precision in customer interactions during project execution.
- Maintain SAP templates for Cranfield Precision products & projects.
- Develop and support capacity planning for functional areas while ensuring compliance with ISO procedures.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in costing and project delivery.
- Uphold Fives Group Values and Directives, prioritising health & safety, as well as applying strict data protection, information security, and cybersecurity protocols.
- Willingness to undertake any additional reasonable assignments as required.
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Key Skills & Requirements
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
Project Management Expertise
- Proven experience in managing complex projects, striving for time, cost, and quality excellence.
- Second-to-none commercial awareness, balancing technical and financial considerations.
- Demonstrated understanding and application of PM methodologies (Agile, PRINCE2, PMP/APMP formal training is a plus).
- Robust reporting & presentation skills, aligning insights for different stakeholder needs.
Technical & Operational Proficiencies
- Keen planning, cluster-intense organisation, and prudent time management.
- Proven ability to facilitate strong stakeholder relationships.
- Independent and self-motivating, yet analytical in influencing cross-departmental dynamics.
- Strong problem-solving mindset to identify efficiency gains.
- Ideal candidates with:
- Engineering background (preferably Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering).
- Hands-on familiarity with ERP systems (SAP in manufacturing environments).
- Familiarity with Internet-based reporting tools (BiPro, AFI).
- Technical SAR-aware expertise aligned with Cranfield Precision equipment.
Soft Skills & Work Ethic
- Self-driven, resilience in meeting aggressive deadlines.
- Capacity for both independent and team activities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
- Fluency in Business English (spoken and written).
- Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally for short stints.
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Skills
Project Management
Commercial Awareness
Reporting
Presentation Skills
Planning
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Relationship Building
Problem Solving
Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
SAP
Microsoft Office
Costing
Proposal Preparation
Risk Management
Location