An exciting opportunity for an ambitious German Speaking Project Management professional to join this market leading international manufacturing group with 26 operations in 12 countries. Working out of the UK Sales & Engineering Centre in South Wales, the business is undergoing a rapid phase of expansion and offers product design, development, testing and manufacturing capabilities for market leading heat exchange, engine tubing & exhaust flexible products.
The site is also the Primary European Design & Development centre for thermal management, fluid conveyance and flexible connectors, serving global OEM customers with a range of products for applications within passenger cars, commercial and off-highway vehicles.
Reporting to the Programmes Director, you will be responsible for the day-to-day customer interface for project management, technical and project related commercial matters. The role requires a high level of involvement with internal stakeholders and strategically important German automotive customers at varying levels of seniority. The ability to speak fluent, technical level German is a prerequisite in order to develop the depth of relationship required and to ensure successful project delivery.
The Role
- Manage projects from enquiry stage through to production, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery
- Manage APQP (and any customer equivalent) system and team for the duration of the project ensuring customer targets are met
- Managing and controlling expenditure
- Organising constructive & timely meetings and reviews
- Oversee the Design and Validation Plan for New Projects
- In support of the new business development team, assist with the preparation of the commercial and technical response to customer RFQ including population of CER
- Develop cost reduction programmes in line with customer expectation
- Within the APQP process, be the point of contact with the customer interfacing with engineering, purchasing, quality and logistics functions
- During the APQP process, build and develop a network of contacts within existing customer base
- Utilise network and fluent German language skills, develop strong working relationships at multiple levels within the customer base
- Identify new opportunities for the business and continually promote the product offering
- Work closely with and feedback any relevant information into the Business Development team
- Co-ordinate prototype / pre-production procurement and build
- Maximise profitability of new and existing projects
- Help guide product development by communicating future customer demands and expectations
- Assist the Buyer in developing existing and new suppliers ensuring APQP/programme requirements are met
- Support marketing efforts such as international trade shows, exhibitions and other industry events
Candidate Profile
- The ability to speak fluent, technical level German is an essential requirement
- Ideally hold a Mechanical Engineering (BEng), similar or other relevant degree in a scientific discipline
- At least 3-years’ experience in Project Management with an understanding of the challenges associated with the delivery of products/solutions that are supplied from Tier 1 automotive companies into OEM’S
- Experience of the land vehicle market for Passenger Car businesses, Truck, Bus & Off-Highway (Yellow Goods) would be highly advantageous
- Excellent Project Management skills including understanding of APQP process in either the automotive or other advanced manufacturing sectors for the development & production of high-quality products that meet customer requirements and expectations
- Maintain high standards of Health and Safety: – safe working practices and support environmental initiatives
- Communicate and support the embedding of customer service imperatives across all of our businesses
- Collaborate internally and with sister businesses to ensure wider revenue generation opportunities are realised
- Politically astute, with strong “soft skills.” Able to understand people behaviour and possess the self-awareness to influence and react appropriately
- Demonstrate superior presentation, communication and attention to detail skills
- Ability to communicate technical or non-technical information in a clear and concise manner
- Highly professional and act as a strong ambassador for the company
- Sound IT Skills, including proficiency with MS Office applications
- A motivated self-starter who is able to work on own initiative
- Willing and able to travel globally
