Senior Automotive Project Manager

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus potential

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Project Manager to lead major development and production initiatives in Sandton, Gauteng. The role demands strategic thinking and a proven track record in delivering complex automotive projects on time and within budget.

You will coordinate cross-functional teams, manage stakeholder expectations, ensure compliance with APQP/PPAP, and drive project success in a fast-paced environment. Opportunity to influence high-impact automotive programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or PMP certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project management, with at least 5 years in automotive industry (OEM or Tier 1).
• Proven track record managing complex automotive development or manufacturing projects.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of automotive product development projects from initiation to closure.
• Develop detailed project plans with scope, timelines, resources and budgets.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and sales.
• Identify and mitigate risks; develop contingency plans.
• Monitor progress, milestones, and provide status updates to senior management.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Bachelors in Engineering/Business

Masters or PMP desirable

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the automotive component manufacturing sector, is actively seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Automotive Project Manager to lead key development and production initiatives from their facility in Sandton, Gauteng . This role demands a strategic thinker with a proven track record in managing complex automotive projects from concept to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. You will be responsible for coordinating cross-functional teams, managing stakeholder expectations, and driving project success in a fast-paced environment. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a seasoned professional in Sandton looking to make a significant impact within a leading organization. Our client is committed to innovation and excellence in automotive manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of automotive product development projects, from initiation to closure.
• Develop detailed project plans, including scope, timelines, resource allocation, and budget management.
• Coordinate and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and sales.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, developing contingency plans as needed.
• Monitor project progress, track key milestones, and provide regular status updates to senior management and stakeholders.
• Ensure projects meet all quality, safety, and regulatory requirements specific to the automotive industry.
• Manage supplier relationships and external vendors involved in project execution.
• Facilitate project meetings, ensuring clear communication and decision-making.
• Implement project management best practices and contribute to the continuous improvement of project management processes.
• Drive project teams to achieve project objectives within defined constraints.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or PMP certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project management, with at least 5 years specifically within the automotive industry (OEM or Tier 1 supplier).
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex automotive development or manufacturing projects.
• Strong understanding of automotive product development lifecycles (APQP, PPAP).
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Jira).
• Ability to manage budgets, resources, and timelines effectively.
• Strong risk management and problem-solving capabilities.
• Familiarity with quality management systems (e.g., IATF 16949).
• Located in or willing to relocate to the vicinity of Sandton, Gauteng .

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Significant bonus potential based on project performance and company results.
• Opportunity to lead high-impact projects in the automotive sector.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Access to ongoing professional development and leadership training.
• Work within a dynamic and innovative corporate environment in Sandton .