Group Project Leader – Automotive Engineering

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Role Overview

The Group Project Leader oversees a team of Project Engineers and is responsible for driving standardization, managing tooling budgets, and ensuring program profitability. This role owns full project delivery for assigned programs, ensuring all launches meet timing, cost, and quality targets. The leader will guide engineering activities, coordinate cross‑functional resources, and maintain strong customer relationships throughout the development and launch cycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Project Engineering team, including workload planning, performance evaluations, coaching, and development.
• Ensure processes and procedures are followed so that product launches and engineering changes are completed on time and within budget.
• Facilitate supplier and vendor involvement to support concept development, product validation, and successful launch.
• Manage tooling budgets, expenses, and program profitability targets; oversee handoff of programs to suppliers and manufacturing facilities.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with global engineering teams to support technical solutions, design deliverables, and part shipments.
• Interface directly with Japanese OEM customers to maintain project timelines, resolve issues, and ensure customer confidence.
• Allocate resources across approved projects and ensure teams have what they need to execute successfully.
• Prepare and approve cost analyses for new or modified projects.
• Forecast major program milestones and deliverables using phase‑gate methodology; ensure all project documentation is accurately maintained in PLM systems.
• Ensure engineering processes and project management activities comply with IATF 16949 requirements.
• Identify and engage external suppliers for tooling and manufacturing needs.
• Introduce and communicate global best practices for project engineering and program management.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive program management or automotive engineering experience, including at least 3 years managing engineers, program managers, or related technical disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of automotive OEM markets and engineering processes.
• Ability to speak Japanese at a technical level.
• Proficiency with MS Office and project management software; strong ability to prepare presentations for non‑technical audiences.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively with customers, vendors, and cross‑functional teams.
• Self‑motivated, independent, and capable of leading teams through complex technical programs.
• Familiarity with plastic injection molding, tooling, and part design is strongly preferred.

JOB ID: 181238

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David Venegas

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