Senior Project Manager BA IAM

Continental Industry; Fairlawn (OH); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ContiTech is seeking an executive-level Operations leader to plan, govern, and monitor strategically relevant IAM manufacturing projects across the Americas. You will provide strategic direction, leadership, and oversight for the function, reporting directly to the CEO.

The role oversees a multi‑hundred‑million EUR investment portfolio and drives performance improvement, CIP, and sustainability initiatives across plants, with 20–30% travel and location in Fairlawn OH or other CT US locations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in project management within a manufacturing environment.
• 10+ years of project management experience preferred.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional projects with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance and Purchasing.
• Experience in capital investment planning and execution.
• Experience in manufacturing performance improvement and cost optimisation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Consolidate and maintain a transparent portfolio view of IAM plant projects following eCR approval.
• Monitor project timing, financial performance, risks and mitigation activities.
• Track and report project financial performance after Start of Production (PCA).
• Drive and support IAM plants in the execution of BA Cost Improvement Programs (CIP).
• Lead and execute selected strategic projects from eCR approval through Start of Production (SoP).

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Structured problem solving

Financial analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

English proficiency

Risk management

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree / MBA

PMP certification

Tools

Project management tools

Lean Manufacturing

Job description

Company Description

ContiTech is one of the world’s leading industry specialists. It offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off‑highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 39,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some €6.4 billion euros (2024), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.

Job Description

The purpose of this position is to plan, coordinate, govern, and monitor strategically relevant Operations projects across all IAM manufacturing plants. The role ensures successful execution of performance improvement initiatives, cost optimisation programmes, and strategic/footprint capital investment projects in alignment with BA Operations strategy and business objectives. The position reports directly to the CEO. This is an executive‑level role with functional management responsibility, providing strategic direction, leadership and oversight for the function across the Americas region.

Coordination and governance of an annual BA Operations investment portfolio exceeding €120 million EUR (expansions, strategic footprint, automation transformation, etc.).

Oversight of strategically relevant operational projects across all IAM manufacturing locations.

Support of BA‑wide Cost Improvement Programs (CIP) and operational excellence initiatives.

Project Portfolio Execution

• Consolidate and maintain a transparent portfolio view of all strategically relevant IAM plant projects following eCR approval.
• Monitor project timing, financial performance, risks and mitigation activities throughout execution.
• Track and report project financial performance after Start of Production (PCA phase).
• Drive and support IAM plants in the execution of BA Cost Improvement Programs (CIP).
• Lead and execute selected strategic projects from eCR approval through Start of Production (SoP), as assigned by IAM Operations Senior Leadership.

Project Management Excellence & Capability Development

• Align project management tools, standards and methodologies with CT Sector requirements.
• Coordinate project management training and capability development activities for plant project leaders.
• Support plant project leaders in achieving project objectives related to cost, quality and timing.
• Serve as an escalation point for project delays, execution risks and roadblocks.
• Coordinate structured problem‑solving initiatives as assigned by IAM Operations Leadership.

Quality First, Safety Always

• Act as a role model and ambassador for Quality and Safety.
• Drive internal and external customer satisfaction through ownership, process discipline and high‑quality execution.
• Ensure quality of deliverables within the assigned area of responsibility as process owner or process participant.
• Promote a culture focused on Zero Defects, Zero Incidents and Zero Accidents.

Sustainability

• Promote and inspire sustainable thinking and continuous improvement.
• Develop and support solutions aligned with Continental's sustainability strategy.
• Ensure compliance with CT sustainability standards, targets and initiatives.

20–30 % travel yearly.

Location: ContiTech Fairlawn OH or other CT locations in the US. Relocation within US possible. No international relocation.

Qualifications

• Project Management methodologies, tools and techniques (Method Expert)
• Financial analysis, investment evaluation and business case principles (Process Expert)
• Strong leadership skills, managing teams through transformational strategic projects (Method Expert)
• Structured problem‑solving and decision‑making methodologies (Process Expert)
• Human relations and leadership skills including teamwork, conflict resolution, networking, facilitation and negotiation (Process Expert)

Advanced Competencies

• Management systems, performance management tools and benchmarking methodologies (Process Advanced)
• Quality Management systems, standards and processes (Process Advanced)
• Lean Manufacturing and CBS principles, methods and tools (Process Advanced)
• Product functionality and application knowledge (Process Advanced)
• Manufacturing technologies, systems, infrastructure, standards and operational processes (Process Advanced)

Language & Regional Requirements

• English Language proficiency (Country Advanced)

Education / Certification

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Master's degree in Engineering, MBA and/or Project Management certification (e.g., PMP) strongly preferred.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in project management within a manufacturing environment or similar technical engineering environments.
• 10+ years of project management experience preferred.
• Proven experience leading cross‑functional projects involving Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance and Purchasing.
• Experience in capital investment planning and execution preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing performance improvement and cost optimisation initiatives preferred.

Project And/or Process Experience

• Demonstrated experience managing industrialisation, capacity expansion, equipment installation, automation and production ramp‑up projects.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment and production systems.
• Experience in rubber and plastics manufacturing processes preferred.
• Experience managing projects throughout the full lifecycle from business case development through Start of Production (SoP) and post‑launch performance evaluation.

Leadership Experience

• Minimum 4 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing or technical environment.
• Experience leading project teams and coordinating cross‑functional stakeholders without direct authority.
• Experience managing global, virtual and multicultural teams preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to influence decision‑making at plant and business‑area leadership level

Intercultural / International Experience

• Experience working with international teams across multiple regions and cultures.
• Strong understanding of global manufacturing environments and organisational structures.
• Fluent English communication skills (written and verbal) required.
• Additional language skills are considered an advantage.

Additional Information

Location Flexibility: This role offers location flexibility and may be based in the United States, Canada or Mexico, depending on the selected candidate’s location.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.