Automation Project Manager

faurecia S.A.; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

faurecia S.A. is seeking an Automation Project Manager to spearhead automation strategies at their North American Automation Center of Excellence. This role involves developing automation solutions, leading large-scale project implementation, and overseeing project timelines and budgets.

The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in automation within high-volume manufacturing environments and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. The position is pivotal in driving efficiency and quality across our global operations.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in automation, manufacturing, or industrial engineering.
• Experience managing large-scale capital projects in manufacturing.
• Strong experience working with automation suppliers and integrators.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation strategy and technology roadmap development.
• Manage large-scale automation project timelines and budgets.
• Coordinate teams of technical specialists for project execution.

Skills

Automation strategy development

High-volume automotive manufacturing

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Forvia, a sustainable mobility technology leader

We pioneer technology for mobility experience that matters to people.

Your mission, roles and responsibilities

Forvia is building a North American Automation Center of Excellence (COE) to define and deploy next‑generation automation solutions across our manufacturing network. As an Automation Project Manager, you will play a critical role in shaping and executing this strategy—leading the development of automation concepts, aligning global stakeholders, and ultimately driving large‑scale deployment of automation systems across our plants. This is a multi‑phase role:

• Phase 1 (Year1): Strategy development, technology evaluation, and global alignment
• Phase 2 (2027+): Execution of large‑scale automation programs (~$6M+), including plant deployment and rollout

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Development (Year1 Focus)

• Lead the development of automation strategies and technology roadmaps for global operations
• Evaluate and validate automation technologies (robotics, material handling, JIT systems) for high‑volume manufacturing
• Partner with global teams to define standardized automation solutions
• Build business cases and CapEx justifications for future investments
• Coordinate cross‑functional alignment with Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain

Program Leadership & Execution (2027+)

• Lead implementation of large‑scale automation projects (~$6M CapEx) across multiple plants
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables in collaboration with plant teams and suppliers
• Oversee external automation integrators and vendors
• Ensure successful deployment aligned to cost, quality, and efficiency targets

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Coordinate and guide a team of technical specialists (robotics, controls, IT)
• Act as the primary liaison between global teams, regional operations, and suppliers
• Drive knowledge sharing and best practice adoption across sites

Your profile and competencies to succeed

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field
• ~8+ years of experience in automation, manufacturing engineering, or industrial engineering
• Experience in high‑volume automotive manufacturing (seating, assembly, or material handling)
• Experience managing large‑scale capital projects (CapEx) in manufacturing environments
• Strong experience working with automation suppliers/integrators
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional and global initiatives

Preferred

• Exposure to Industry4.0 / smart manufacturing initiatives
• Prior experience in a COE, advanced manufacturing, or strategy‑driven environment

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship of any kind, now or in the future.