Automation Project Manager
About The Position
Forvia is building a North American Automation Center of Excellence (COE) to define and deploy next-generation automation solutions across our manufacturing network. As an Automation Project Manager, you will play a critical role in shaping and executing this strategy—leading the development of automation concepts, aligning global stakeholders, and ultimately driving large-scale deployment of automation systems across our plants. This is a multi-phase role: Phase 1 (Year 1): Strategy development, technology evaluation, and global alignment. Phase 2 (2027+): Execution of large-scale automation programs (~$6M+), including plant deployment and rollout.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field
- ~8+ years of experience in automation, manufacturing engineering, or industrial engineering
- Experience in high-volume automotive manufacturing (seating, assembly, or material handling)
- Experience managing large-scale capital projects (CapEx) in manufacturing environments
- Strong experience working with automation suppliers/integrators
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional and global initiatives
Nice To Haves
- Exposure to Industry 4.0 / smart manufacturing initiatives
- Prior experience in a COE, advanced manufacturing, or strategy-driven environment
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of automation strategies and technology roadmaps for global operations
- Evaluate and validate automation technologies (robotics, material handling, JIT systems) for high-volume manufacturing
- Partner with global teams to define standardized automation solutions
- Build business cases and CapEx justifications for future investments
- Coordinate cross-functional alignment with Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain
- Lead implementation of large-scale automation projects (~$6M CapEx) across multiple plants
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables in collaboration with plant teams and suppliers
- Oversee external automation integrators and vendors
- Ensure successful deployment aligned to cost, quality, and efficiency targets
- Coordinate and guide a team of technical specialists (robotics, controls, IT)
- Act as the primary liaison between global teams, regional operations, and suppliers
- Drive knowledge sharing and best practice adoption across sites
Benefits
- Opportunity for career development
- Learning environment with dedicated tools and resources
- Online and in-person training within FORVIA University
- Multicultural environment that values diversity and international collaboration
- Gender diversity targets and inclusion action plans
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
