Project Manager - Automotive Manufacturing Process Improvement

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a results-oriented Project Manager to drive process improvement at its East London, Eastern Cape facility. You will lead lean initiatives, optimize assembly lines, and implement new production technologies to boost productivity and quality.

The role requires a strong manufacturing background, extensive project management experience in automotive environments, and the ability to work in a hybrid setting balancing on-site and remote coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• 6+ years of project management experience in manufacturing or automotive.
• Proven Lean manufacturing and process improvement experience.
• Strong knowledge of automotive production systems and supply chains.
• Experience with MS Project or Jira for project tracking.
• Excellent leadership, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork across diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Manage full lifecycle of automotive manufacturing process improvement projects.
• Develop detailed project plans with scope, objectives, timelines and budgets.
• Lead cross-functional teams including production, engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain.
• Implement Lean principles and tools (Six Sigma, Kaizen) to enhance efficiency.
• Oversee introduction of new manufacturing technologies and automation systems.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure projects deliver measurable improvements in productivity, quality and cost reduction.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and communicate status effectively.
• Ensure compliance with automotive industry standards and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Hybrid work readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the automotive manufacturing industry, is seeking a results-oriented Project Manager to drive process improvement initiatives across their **East London, Eastern Cape** facility. This role is critical for enhancing manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness through the implementation of lean methodologies and advanced production techniques. You will lead projects focused on optimizing assembly lines, implementing new technologies, and streamlining workflows. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in manufacturing environments, a deep understanding of automotive production processes, and proven project management expertise. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the competitiveness of a leading automotive manufacturer and drive significant operational advancements within the **Eastern Cape** industrial landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of automotive manufacturing process improvement projects.
• Develop detailed project plans, defining scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and budgets.
• Lead cross-functional teams including production, engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and tools (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen) to enhance efficiency.
• Oversee the introduction of new manufacturing technologies and automation systems.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks and bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure projects deliver measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and cost reduction.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and communicate project status effectively.
• Ensure compliance with automotive industry standards and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing), Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in project management, with a focus on manufacturing or automotive sectors.
• Proven experience in implementing lean manufacturing principles and driving process improvements.
• Strong understanding of automotive production systems and supply chains.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Jira).
• Excellent leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience managing diverse teams.
• Ability to work effectively in a **Hybrid** environment, balancing on-site presence with remote coordination.
• Familiarity with the **East London** manufacturing ecosystem is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in manufacturing technologies.
• Exposure to significant projects within a leading automotive manufacturing facility.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment in **East London**.
• Flexible **Hybrid** working arrangements.