STAFF PROJECT MANAGER ENGINEER

Job Overview

The Manager, Project Management – Engineering leads a portfolio of Automotive projects within the Project Management Office and serves as the primary driver of project execution from concept through launch and sustaining phases. This role provides leadership for complex, high-visibility initiatives including New Product Development (NPD), Advanced Development (ADP), Technology Development (TDP), Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE), capacity expansions, footprint optimization, and sustaining projects across the Americas region.
The position is accountable for delivering business objectives through effective planning, resource management, financial oversight, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement. Success in this role requires strong leadership, technical aptitude, business acumen, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a fast-paced global environment.

Key Responsibilities

Project Execution
• Manage project scope, schedule, and budget to ensure alignment with business objectives and financial plans.
• Plan and lead Stage Gate reviews; ensure integrity of project deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with PMO governance processes, Stage Gate requirements, and project management standards.
• Establish, maintain, and communicate project schedules and portfolio status within Planisware while ensuring project data integrity.
• Identify and secure necessary project resources; coordinate availability across functions.
• Conduct project closeout meetings and lessons learned reviews.
• Partner with functional leaders to prioritize project portfolios and balance resource constraints against business objectives.
• Escalate capacity and resource conflicts to leadership and recommend prioritization alternatives.
• Accountable for managing a portfolio of concurrent projects and balancing competing priorities, resources, risks, and business objectives to achieve strategic business goals.

Risk & Financial Management
• Proactively assess risks and develop countermeasure plans to mitigate potential impacts.
• Establish escalation paths for critical issues across all projects.
• Manage CapEx and OpEx spending in alignment with business unit financial plans.
• Support business case development, costing reviews, investment analysis, and project financial forecasting.

Stakeholder Communication
• Lead project reviews and status meetings with internal Core Teams, business leadership and customers.
• Serve as the primary project interface with customers, ensuring timely communication of project status, risks, changes, and key milestones.
• Provide planned and ad-hoc reporting using data-driven analysis to support decision-making.
• Present project updates to business segment leadership and key stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement
• Track lessons learned and implement best practices across projects.
• Identify opportunities for cost improvements and process optimization.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and monitor progress toward objectives.

Required Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, operations, and/or project management, including experience leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Minimum 3 years leading large-scale, cross-functional projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to engage all levels of the organization, including executive leadership.
• Solid understanding of general accounting principles.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes including injection molding, plating, stamping, machining, and assembly.
• Proven experience managing NPD, ADP, TDP, VAVE, sustaining, capacity, replacement, and process transfer projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet scope, quality, schedule, and budget requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with project management and business intelligence tools, including Planisware, Microsoft Office, and data visualization/reporting tools.
• Ability to leverage digital technologies, automation tools, and data analytics to improve project execution and decision-making.
• Coach and mentor project team members and support the development of project management best practices.
• Knowledge of AIAG PPAP change management and customer notification requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of IATF 16949 and/or VDA 6.3, DFMEA, DFM, and APQP.
• Ability to work independently and remotely as part of a virtual team.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 25%).
• PMP certification preferred at hire; certification must be completed within 12 months of hire.

Disclaimer
This job description outlines the general responsibilities and qualifications for the role. It is not intended to define all daily tasks or limit the scope of responsibilities.

LOCATION: Hermosillo, Sonora, MX. (Hybrid)
TRAVEL: 10% to 25%
#LI- HYBRID

Competencies