Project Manager -Japanese Bilingual
Program Manager – Automotive parts
Location: Novi, MI
Travel: Approximately 20–25%
Compensation: Up to $95,000 annually, negotiable based on experience
Language: Japanese and English (Business level and above)
An established organization in the automotive manufacturing sector is seeking a Program Manager to lead high-impact projects across cross-functional teams. This role is responsible for managing full program lifecycles, from planning and budgeting through launch, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, quality standards, cost targets, and timing milestones.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage multiple automotive programs with significant business impact
- Develop and maintain master schedules, ensuring clear communication of critical milestones with customers, suppliers, engineering, purchasing, supply chain, manufacturing, and sales teams
- Drive budget control, timeline management, and cross-functional coordination
- Serve as primary customer liaison for program reviews, quality assurance plans, technical discussions, and manufacturing coordination
- Support purchasing activities including specification definition and supplier quotation processes
- Coordinate PPAP submissions with tooling and component suppliers
- Monitor program risks, proactively resolve issues, and escalate status updates to senior leadership
- Collaborate with engineering and purchasing teams to evaluate suppliers and ensure achievement of cost, quality, timing, and delivery targets
- Prepare and maintain detailed program tracking reports and management updates
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum 3+ years of experience in the automotive manufacturing industry
- Experience launching at least three automotive parts projects for a combination of Toyota and Nissan, Honda, or Ford
- Alternatively, Design/Development Engineers or Quality Engineers seeking a transition into project management will be considered
- Experience working within a Japanese corporate environment
- Japanese language proficiency preferred (business level or able to actively participate in meetings)
- Strong leadership capability to provide direction within cross-functional teams
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Proficiency in MS Office and Outlook for program tracking and reporting
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
- Self-driven, results-oriented, and able to work with a strong sense of urgency
- High level of professionalism and ethical standards
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree with relevant applied business experience in the automotive industry
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
- Office-based role with customer site and manufacturing plant visits
- Regular sitting, standing, bending, and facility movement required
- Occasional lifting of components up to 25 lbs (with assistance as needed)
- Domestic travel by car and air based on customer and business needs
***Above details are subject to change.
This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and may not include all responsibilities or requirements.