Senior Automotive Project Manager - New Product Development

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Automotive Project Manager to lead critical new product development initiatives in Mahikeng, North West. You will oversee the full lifecycle from concept to launch, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery while maintaining high quality standards.

You will manage cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and sales, drive risk assessment, and optimize resource allocation. PMP is desirable and a strong automotive background is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 7+ years in project management; 5+ years in automotive industry.
• Proven track record in automotive product development projects.
• PMP or equivalent certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple automotive new product development projects from initiation to closure.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Lead and motivate cross-functional project teams, including engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and sales.
• Facilitate regular project status meetings and provide comprehensive reports to senior management and stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and issues proactively.
• Manage project budgets and ensure financial objectives are met.
• Oversee the procurement and management of external vendors and partners.
• Ensure compliance with automotive industry standards and regulations.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment.]
• CoT_job_summary_short: COMPANY NAME: Placements24KEY POINTS: NPD leadership, cross-functional teams, automotive lifecycle

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Master's degree

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Asana

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding automotive technology supplier, is seeking an experienced Senior Automotive Project Manager to lead critical new product development initiatives. This role, based in Mahikeng, North West , will oversee the entire project lifecycle from concept through to launch, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. You will be responsible for cross-functional team leadership, stakeholder management, risk assessment, and resource allocation. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of automotive product development processes, exceptional leadership qualities, and a proven ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects. This is an outstanding opportunity to drive innovation and make a significant impact within the automotive sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple automotive new product development projects from initiation to closure.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Lead and motivate cross-functional project teams, including engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and sales.
• Facilitate regular project status meetings and provide comprehensive reports to senior management and stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and issues proactively.
• Manage project budgets and ensure financial objectives are met.
• Oversee the procurement and management of external vendors and partners.
• Ensure compliance with automotive industry standards and regulations.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project management, with at least 5 years specifically within the automotive industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex automotive product development 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, Asana).
• Experience with risk management and change control processes.
• Ability to manage budgets and financial forecasts effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.PMP or equivalent project management certification is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and executive-level benefits package.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance between office and remote work.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership training.
• Engage in challenging and innovative automotive projects.
• Dynamic and supportive work environment.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
• Contribution to medical aid, provident fund, and potential for performance bonuses.