Project Manager - Automotive Manufacturing Improvement

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

20 days annual leave

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Project Manager to lead continuous improvement initiatives at our East London, Eastern Cape plant. You will oversee manufacturing process improvements, technology implementation, and lean transformations, coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver value.

Hybrid role with remote planning and on-site collaboration, requiring strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Travel within the Eastern Cape is possible as needed for project oversight.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field and strong PM track record in automotive manufacturing.
• Proven ability to manage manufacturing improvement projects with cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of automotive processes, lean principles, and IATF 16949 standard.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project plans for manufacturing process improvements and technology implementation.
• Lead cross-functional teams including engineers, production staff, QA and supply chain.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and resources for cost-effective delivery.
• Oversee Lean principles (Six Sigma, Kaizen) to boost efficiency and reduce waste.
• Identify bottlenecks and quality issues; implement solutions proactively.
• Manage supplier and vendor relationships for equipment and tech.
• Ensure projects meet automotive standards, quality benchmarks, and safety rules.
• Monitor progress, assess risks, and take corrective actions as needed.
• Communicate updates and reports to stakeholders; drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Jira

MS Project

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical) or Operations Management

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent automotive manufacturer, is seeking a results-driven Project Manager to lead initiatives focused on continuous improvement within their manufacturing operations in East London, Eastern Cape. This role is key to enhancing production efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness in a highly competitive sector. You will manage projects involving process optimization, implementation of new manufacturing technologies, lean manufacturing initiatives, and quality control enhancements. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of automotive production processes, a proven track record in project management, and excellent leadership skills. This hybrid position offers the flexibility of remote planning and reporting, combined with essential on-site collaboration at our East London plant, ensuring practical implementation and close teamwork with manufacturing personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project plans for manufacturing process improvements and technology implementation.
• Lead cross-functional teams comprising engineers, production staff, quality assurance, and supply chain specialists.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources, ensuring successful and cost-effective delivery.
• Oversee the implementation of Lean manufacturing principles (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen) to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Identify production bottlenecks and quality issues, developing and implementing solutions.
• Manage relationships with equipment suppliers and technology vendors.
• Ensure all projects adhere to automotive industry standards, quality benchmarks, and safety regulations.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions proactively.
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, providing regular project updates and reports.
• Drive continuous improvement culture within the manufacturing environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical), Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in project management within the automotive manufacturing sector.
• Proven track record of successfully managing manufacturing improvement projects.
• Strong knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes, lean manufacturing principles, and quality management systems (e.g., IATF 16949).
• Excellent leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Jira).
• Experience working in a hybrid model, balancing remote work with on-site presence in East London.
• Ability to travel within the Eastern Cape as required for project oversight.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is a strong advantage.
• Experience with implementation of automation and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, medical aid, and a retirement fund.
• We provide significant opportunities for professional development and training in automotive manufacturing best practices and project management methodologies.
• This hybrid role offers flexibility with essential on-site engagement at our East London facility.
• Enjoy 20 days of annual leave.
• You will be a key contributor to enhancing manufacturing excellence in the Eastern Cape automotive industry.
• Our client fosters a dynamic and collaborative work environment with opportunities for career advancement.
• Performance bonuses are awarded based on project success.