The Director of Project Management is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of multiple large-scale projects in the Body-In-White (BIW) tooling and automation industry. This role demands an experienced professional with a minimum of 10+ years of experience in project management within the automotive tooling sector. The Director will lead a team of project managers and engineers, ensure alignment with customer requirements, and deliver projects on-time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The successful candidate will be adept at handling complex technical projects, managing multiple stakeholders, and leading cross-functional teams.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Project Leadership & Strategy • Lead Business Unit, Program & Project Managers in the planning, execution, and completion of large-scale tooling and automation projects focused on BIW weld & assembly systems. • Develop and implement strategic project management frameworks and methodologies to optimize efficiency, quality, and project outcomes. • Ensure the successful delivery of all customer deliverables, maintaining high standards in cost, time, and quality management.
Budget & Financial Management • Oversee the management and forecasting of project budgets, ensuring projects are delivered within the financial parameters set by the organization, including initial Budget Loads & Change Management. • Work with PMs to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate financial risks throughout project lifecycles. • Work closely with finance teams to report on budget variances, cost overruns, and revenue generation. • Manage Cash Flow & invoice forecasts for all active projects.
Timeline & Resource Management • Create, maintain, and monitor detailed project schedules and timelines, ensuring key milestones are met. • Manage resource allocation across multiple projects, ensuring optimal use of personnel, tooling, and equipment. • Develop & maintain overall manpower planning for company projects & future forecasting. • Proactively identify potential delays and implement corrective actions to keep projects on track.
Customer & Stakeholder Management • Project Management lead for new business quotation reviews for customer projects. • Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, ensuring clear communication of project status, risks, and deliverables. • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to align project goals and expectations. • Coordinate regular meetings with customers to review progress, gather feedback, and ensure alignment with project scope. • Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with project execution, including technical, financial, and operational risks. • Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for any issues that arise during project execution. • Continuously improve project management processes to enhance efficiency and risk mitigation.
Quality Control & Continuous Improvement • Ensure all projects adhere to internal and external quality standards, with a focus on delivering best-in-class BIW tooling solutions. • Implement and monitor continuous improvement initiatives that drive innovation and optimization in tooling and automation processes.
Compliance & Documentation • Ensure all project activities are in compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, customer and company policies. • Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, budgets, schedules, and change orders. • Oversee adherence to customer documentation standards & deliverables. • Manage R&D Study files and information on identified projects for tax considerations.
Other • Ability to travel anywhere in the world. • Adheres to the Quality System and participates in continuous improvement activities. • Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this job.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises the entire Project Management Group including Project Managers, Program Managers, Contract Administrator and Documentation Coordinator. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Computer & Mathematical Skills • Microsoft suite of Outlook, Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint. • Familiarity with ERP systems and reporting. • Work & access with OEM customer portals a plus. • Ability to use spreadsheets to determine financial manpower & project reporting.
Travel Requirements
Local travel to UTEC facilities and customer/supplier sites for meetings or support is rarely required.
Domestic travel to customer plants for support is occasionally required.
International travel to customer plants for support is rarely required.
Travel requirements may vary based on project assignments and department workloads.