Aftermarket Project Manager

ZF Group

About The Position

The Aftermarket Project Manager manages projects for ZF’s Clutch, Steering and Wheel End (CSW) business line from initiation through launch. The role works collaboratively with Category/Product Management, Engineering, Finance, S&P, Production, and other Project Management team members in a hands-on manufacturing environment. Success requires effective communication and flexibility in response to changing priorities while keeping the team aligned on targets. The position oversees product launches and operational and logistics projects, ensuring delivery against scope, timing, budget, quality, and financial contribution targets. It coordinates cross-functional teams, customer and supplier engagement, technical plans, validation activities, risk management, and continuous improvement across supply chain and customer fulfillment processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field.
At least 6 years of automotive business-related experience, including a minimum of 4 years of project management experience.
Experience dealing with large Commercial Vehicle OEMs, New Automotive, IAM and Fleets Customers, operations, logistics, or supply chain management.
Strong understanding of transportation, warehousing, inventory control, and supply chain processes.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP and TMS, and Microsoft Office applications including Power BI.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
Professional knowledge of project/program management standards and methods.
Extensive experience with engineering systems, change management, and product development.
Experience in business implementation as well as production, plant, and customer launches.
Knowledge of project finance, business case leadership, and strategy.
Demonstrated social and interpersonal competencies, including verbal and written communication, relationship-building, and conflict management.

Nice To Haves

Background in the North American commercial vehicle industry and automotive aftermarket is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage overall launch projects and ensure successful customer launch of all product variants against scope, timing, budget, and quality targets.
Analyze and resolve project risks and problems throughout the project.
Establish, track, and ensure compliance of the technical project plan with the GDPEP process.
Manage product maturity during development, ensuring fulfillment of customer specifications, ZF and customer quality requirements, safety regulations, and legal requirements.
Own the business case and project expense budget; align cross-functional teams to financial contribution targets and manage risks to secure project targets.
Identify, track, and manage scope changes and assess their impact on the QCT baseline.
Monitor project performance and manage risks.
Coordinate validation and prototype activities within testing centers; coordinate and execute system, interface, and design FMEAs/PFMEAs.
Serve as the main customer liaison, balance internal and external interests, and act as key point of contact for IC suppliers.
Ensure team resources, set annual targets for functional project team members, and provide performance feedback and development needs.
Plan, coordinate, and execute operational and logistics projects to improve supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, optimize resources, and ensure timely delivery.
Lead cross-functional teams, manage project timelines and budgets, and drive continuous improvement across operations, transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and customer fulfillment.