Sr Project Manager

Project Manager / Senior Project Manager

Location: Metro Detroit, MI
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Automotive Manufacturing

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager / Senior Project Manager to lead complex automotive programs from product development through launch. This role will be responsible for managing cross-functional teams, coordinating prototype builds, overseeing engineering changes, and ensuring successful execution of customer and business objectives.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in automotive manufacturing, program management, product launches, and customer-facing leadership within a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Cross-Functional Program Leadership

• Lead and coordinate activities across Engineering, Quality, Operations, Finance, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams.

• Drive project execution and ensure achievement of critical milestones.

• Facilitate regular program reviews, track deliverables, and proactively address risks and issues.

• Collaborate with global engineering and manufacturing teams to align resources, schedules, and production requirements.

Prototype Build & Launch Management

• Coordinate prototype build events and validation activities.

• Ensure material availability and manufacturing readiness to support build schedules.

• Partner with Production Control, Logistics, and suppliers to mitigate material risks.

• Monitor program timing and resolve issues impacting launch milestones.

Engineering Change Management

• Manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).

• Assess schedule, technical, and financial impacts of design changes.

• Coordinate approvals and implementation across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams.

• Track validation timelines and ensure testing activities remain on schedule.

Program Governance & Customer Management

• Serve as a key point of contact for customers, suppliers, and internal leadership.

• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules using Microsoft Project or similar tools.

• Track and report program KPIs, including timing, quality, cost, and delivery metrics.

• Lead risk management activities and develop recovery plans when required.

• Present program status updates to leadership and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Mechatronics) or Business Administration with strong technical experience.

• Minimum 7 years of Project or Program Management experience.

• Minimum 5 years of automotive manufacturing experience.

• Proven experience managing product development, validation, and launch activities.

• Strong knowledge of:

  • APQP

  • PPAP

  • FMEA (D-FMEA / P-FMEA)

  • Control Plans

  • Engineering Change Management (ECR/ECO)

• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrix organization.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Project and project scheduling tools.

• Strong financial acumen, including budget management, cost tracking, and project financial reporting.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting General Motors (GM) programs.

• Knowledge of BIQS, GP-12, and customer-specific automotive quality requirements.

• Experience working with Tier 1 suppliers.

• Background supporting electrical/electronic product development programs.

• Experience managing hardware and software product changes.

• Understanding of automotive validation and product launch processes.

What We're Looking For

• Strong leader who can influence teams without direct authority.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines.

• Proven track record of delivering successful automotive programs.

• Customer-focused mindset with excellent relationship-building skills.

• Proactive approach to risk management and issue resolution.

Impellam Group and its brands are equal-opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application, interview process, pre-employment activity, and the performance of crucial job functions.

If you require additional disability considerations, modifications, or adjustments please let us know by contacting HR-InfoImpellamNA@impellam.com or fill out this form to request accommodations.