Project Manager (Automotive Manufacturing)

Role Overview:

We are seeking a detail-oriented Project Manager to lead complex automotive manufacturing projects from initiation through SOP (Start of Production). You will be responsible for orchestrating cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain) to ensure industrialization projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to rigorous industry standards. The ideal candidate is a power user of Microsoft Project and possesses a deep understanding of Critical Path Management to navigate high-stakes production timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Scheduling & Planning: Develop and maintain high-fidelity project schedules using Microsoft Project, integrating task dependencies and resource constraints.
• Critical Path Analysis: Perform regular Critical Path Analysis (CPA) to identify the longest sequence of dependent tasks. Monitor "Float" and "Slack" to proactively manage risks before they impact the final delivery date.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Coordinate between Operations, Program Management, and Commercial to ensure alignment on technical specifications and production milestones.
• Risk & Issue Management: Identify potential bottlenecks in the manufacturing process (e.g., tooling delays, equipment issues) and develop mitigation strategies using data-driven insights.
• Stakeholder Communication: Act as the primary coordinator of information between internal customers, providing structured status reports and leading milestone reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a related technical field.
• Technical Expertise: 3+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing or a similar heavy industrial environment.
• Software Mastery: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Project, including experience with network diagrams, forward/backward pass calculations, and resource leveling.
• Methodology: Strong command of the Critical Path Method (CPM) and its application in high-volume production cycles.
• Certifications: PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 certification is highly preferred.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Familiarity with automotive product development processes like PPAP and DFM/DFA.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with international teams.