Project Manager, Pilot Programs

Yanfeng•Novi, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Project Manager, Pilot Programs is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and successful implementation of new manufacturing pilot programs within the facility. This role serves as the primary coordinator between operations, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and production teams to ensure new products, processes, equipment, and technologies are effectively validated prior to full-scale production launch. The Project Manager develops project plans, tracks milestones, manages risks, and drives cross-functional collaboration to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. The position requires strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills to ensure pilot activities are completed on schedule while minimizing disruption to ongoing manufacturing operations.

Requirements

5-9 Minimum Years of Experience
5-9 Minimum Years of Experience in Automotive Industry
Experience leading new product launches, pilot programs, process implementations, or manufacturing transfers.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, Lean Manufacturing, APQP, PFMEA, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Proficiency in project management tools and reporting systems.
Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Must be able and willing to travel and work at customer sites, including industrial manufacturing plants which might require climbing, lifting, or working in confined spaces.

Nice To Haves

PMP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end execution of manufacturing pilot programs, from planning through production readiness and launch.
Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, timelines, and key deliverables.
Coordinate cross-functional teams including Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Production.
Identify project risks, develop mitigation plans, and proactively resolve issues impacting project objectives.
Monitor pilot performance metrics and analyze results to validate process capability, productivity, quality, and safety requirements.
Facilitate project meetings, status updates, and executive reviews.
Ensure adherence to customer specifications, manufacturing standards, and regulatory requirements.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and capture lessons learned for future program launches.
Support equipment installation, process validation, training, and readiness activities for pilot programs.
Maintain accurate project documentation, reports, and communication plans.
Manage change control activities and ensure alignment among stakeholders.
Coordinate transition of successful pilot programs into full-scale manufacturing operations.