Engineering Project Manager & Operations Planner

Engineering Project Manager & Operations Planner

About: TAD Electronics designs and manufactures a range of products in the UK. Founded in 2005 and owned by engineers, we focus on high-quality, customer-aligned solutions-from a single circuit board to turnkey systems with bespoke enclosures. Our in-house app and web development team enables our electronics to scale with the growth of IoT devices. We specialise in ultra-low-power circuit design, with many products lasting 5-10 years on a single battery. We value clear communication, collaboration, and practical engineering excellence.

Role summary: We are seeking an adaptable Project and Operations planner with an engineering background. You should be HNC or HND educated with a relevant engineering qualification, or be able to demonstrate a strong technical background and be capable of understanding projects at a technical level. You will own end-to-end hardware development programs, drive robust project plans, and plan & schedule manufacturing output. You will relentlessly deliver on time while meeting quality, cost, and regulatory requirements. You'll collaborate across software, mechanical, manufacturing, and QA to bring innovative, reliable electronics to market.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end electronics hardware/software development projects for new products and improvements, from concept through production release and manufacturing output.
• Create, manage, and maintain comprehensive project plans, schedules, milestones, dependencies, critical paths, and resource forecasts for multiple concurrent projects. Elicit requirements from internal stakeholders, translate into detailed technical specifications, and maintain rigorous change control and traceability.
• Conduct system-level planning: risk assessment and mitigation, resource allocation, budgeting, and forecasting the schedule impact of design decisions.
• Plan and progress design reviews (concept, preliminary, critical design, production readiness) to ensure DFM, DFT, and serviceability considerations are integrated into the design.
• Coordinate across software, mechanical, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure aligned timelines and successful integration.
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements (EMI/EMC, safety, battery safety, etc.).
• Ensure that technical documentation, test procedures, release notes, and risk registers are created and maintained, and clear communications to stakeholders and management are executed.
• Promote best practices in planning, scheduling, risk management, and documentation.
• Collaborate with the in-house app/web team to support concurrent development.
• Occasional travel as required.

Required skills and experience

• HNC/HND level or above in electronic/electrical/mechanical/production engineering is desirable but not essential so long as you are able to prove a strong technical background.
• Extensive engineering experience with a bias to electronics, project management and manufacturing scheduling is essential.
• Exceptional project planning and program-management skills; proven ability to deliver complex programs on time and on budget.
• Knowledge of analogue and digital electronics, circuit design at schematic and PCB level.
• Knowledge of small to medium batch and flow line manufacturing
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate will have the following core skills and attributes:

• A results-driven individual with strong multitasking abilities.
• A competent user of Project Management Software and Excel.
• Familiarity with Product Development Lifecycle and design phase-gate processes
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with stakeholders at all levels.
• A recognised Project Management qualification (such as APMP) is beneficial.
• An understanding of rapid prototyping hardware (3D printing, laser cutting) and enclosure design.

• Auto-enrolment pension with enhanced employer contribution
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Employee referral rewards
• Health insurance
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay
• Octopus Salary Sacrifice Electric Vehicle scheme
• Regular company-funded social events
• Inclusive, collaborative work environment