Job Title Synonyms

Job Description

Job Title: Project Manager – Automotive Industry

Overview

A Project Manager (PM) in the automotive industry leads the planning, coordination, and execution of automotive projects — from concept design and prototype development to mass production and customer delivery. This role ensures that all projects meet cost, quality, and timing (QCT) targets while complying with IATF 16949, APQP, and OEM-specific standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Planning & Execution

• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in alignment with customer and company requirements.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets using tools such as MS Project, Primavera, or SAP Project Systems.
• Manage all phases of product development from RFQ to SOP (Start of Production) and EOP (End of Production).
• Ensure adherence to APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) and project milestone gates.

2. Cross-Functional Team Leadership

• Lead cross-functional project teams (Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, Tooling, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain).
• Coordinate and communicate between internal departments, customers, and suppliers to ensure alignment and timely decision-making.
• Organize project reviews, track progress against KPIs, and ensure on-time issue resolution.

3. Cost, Quality & Timing (QCT) Management

• Control and track project costs, manage budgets, and approve change requests.
• Monitor quality performance to meet OEM requirements and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure timely delivery of prototypes, samples, and production parts.

4. Risk & Change Management

• Identify and evaluate project risks (technical, schedule, cost) and develop mitigation plans.
• Manage change control processes, including Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Change Notifications (ECNs).
• Support PPAP submissions and resolve launch and production issues.

5. Customer & Supplier Interface

• Act as the primary point of contact for customers (OEMs/Tier 1s) regarding project status, timing, and performance.
• Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and audits.
• Coordinate with suppliers for tooling, materials, and parts delivery to meet build schedules.

6. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive project documentation — project charters, risk registers, meeting minutes, and Gantt charts.
• Prepare and present management reports, dashboards, and project reviews (Gate Reviews, KPI tracking).
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements (e.g., VW Formel Q, GM APQP).

7. Continuous Improvement

• Drive lessons learned sessions post-launch and implement corrective actions for future projects.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to improve efficiency.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within the team.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of automotive product development processes and core quality tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Excel, SAP, Jira, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and OEM customer standards.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Technical understanding of automotive systems, components, and manufacturing processes (e.g., plastics, metals, electronics).

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering (or related field).
• 5–10 years of experience in project management within the automotive industry (OEM or Tier 1 supplier).
• Preferred Certifications:
• PMP (Project Management Professional) or Prince2
• Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
• IATF 16949 Internal Auditor Certification (a plus)