Project Manager - New Product Process

Bridgestone; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 300 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational tire company is seeking a Project Manager to manage New Tire projects across the EMEA region. The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional teams through all phases of product development, ensuring alignment with project management methodologies. Applicants should have a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in a relevant field, along with 1-2 years of experience in project management. This position offers a hybrid work environment and requires proficiency in English, with other languages considered an asset.

Benefits

Supportive onboarding experience

Training and mentorship opportunities

Corporate Social Responsibility activities

Dynamic work environment

Work/life balance initiatives

Diverse and inclusive team

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in project management, operational product management, or new product development.
• Background in the automotive industry is a plus.
• Proficient in English; other European languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage New Tire projects for Consumer and Commercial products.
• Identify stakeholders and deliverables based on business requirements.
• Define project scope, develop schedules, and identify risks.
• Lead cross-functional teams to achieve project deliverables.
• Monitor schedules, costs, and support continuous improvement.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Marketing, or Engineering

Tools

Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel)

Job description

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POSITION SNAPSHOT

Type of work: Hybrid

Type of contract: Open-ended/permanent

Full/Part Time: Full time

Location: Zaventem, BE

ABOUT US

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and Bridgestone Europe, Middle East and Africa (BSEMEA), headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, operate collectively as a “Bridgestone West” strategic region. This region services the strategic business needs of teams across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. BSAM and BSEMEA are subsidiaries of Bridgestone Corporation, globally headquartered in Japan. Bridgestone and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand products and solutions to address the needs of a broad range of customers and industries.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Job Purpose:

The Project Manager within Core Tire NPP (New Product Process) PMO will execute New Tire projects by managing cross-functional teams (R&D, Manufacturing, Logistics, Finance, Marketing, Sales). Under the direction of the Core Tire NPP PMO Manager and in collaboration with experienced Product Category Managers in the Consumer/Commercial Product teams, the Project Manager will drive new tire products through the conceptualization, development, industrialization, and commercialization phases. The role ensures alignment with Bridgestone’s standardized methodologies for Stage Gating and Project Management, securing timely launches, cost efficiency, and quality delivery.

Scope:

Manage New Tire projects for Consumer (Cars, SUV, Van tyres) and Commercial (Truck, Bus, Retread, Agricultural tyres) products.

Focus on EMEA geography (Europe, Middle East, Africa), with potential broader scope for selected projects (BSAM, BSAPIC, BTSJ).

Key Responsibilities:

Project Initiating: Identify stakeholders and deliverables based on business requirements.

Project Planning: Define project scope, develop schedules, identify risks, and conduct kick‑off meetings to secure approvals.

Project Executing: Lead cross‑functional teams to achieve deliverables, ensuring alignment through regular communication.

Project Controlling: Monitor schedules, risks, and costs while supporting continuous improvement through lessons learned.

Project Closing: Prepare documentation and deliverables, including Business Cases, to secure acceptance at each gate review.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Marketing, or Engineering.

Experience:

1–2 years of experience (internships/jobs) in project management, operational product management, or new product development.

Background in the automotive industry considered a plus.

Competences:

Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

Solid communication and presentation abilities.

Good project management knowledge (Project Management certification is a plus).

Strong analytical and quantitative skills, proficient with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel).

Solution‑oriented and collaborative team player.

Ability to thrive in a multicultural environment.

Languages:

Proficient in English; other European languages are a plus.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Bridgestone, what really matter is to foster co‑creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to “Serve Society with Superior Quality”, for that, we offer you more than just a competitive payment; we will provide you:

• A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
• The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
• Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
• A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long‑term well‑being.
• A diverse and inclusive team.

We are committed to create an even more inclusive culture that advances equity, embraces individuality, and helps our increasingly diverse teammates, customers, and communities thrive, by providing equal opportunities in employment. This means that all job applicants and members of staff will receive equal treatment and that we will not discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, race, ethnicity, color, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age.