Automotive Project Manager

Thales is a global technology leader trusted by governments institutions and enterprises to tackle their most demanding challenges. From quantum applications and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and 6G innovation our solutions empower critical decisions rooted in human intelligence. Operating at the forefront of aerospace and space cybersecurity and digital identity were driven by a mission to build a future we can all trust.

The Automotive Project Manager is to lead our Organizations introduction into Automotive Industry standards specifically IATF 16949 certification and VDA 6.3 process readiness. This role is critical in driving cross-functional alignment ensuring process compliance building a sustainable quality management system and supporting our long-term strategy to serve automotive market. He or she will the overall coordinator

Key Responsibilities

The job holder shall at all times during employment with the company respect and comply with the Thales Quality Health Safety Environmental & Security requirements during the performance of his/her duties.

1. IATF 16949 Certification Project Leadership

• Lead plan and execute the full roadmap toward IATF 16949 certification.
• Develop and maintain the overall project plan milestones timelines and risk assessments.
• Drive alignment with Quality Production Engineering and Supply Chain teams.
• Coordinate gap assessments root cause analyses and implementation of corrective actions.
• Ensure robust documentation that meets IATF requirements (procedures work instructions KPIs risk analyses etc.).
• Facilitate internal audits and readiness assessments prior to certification audits.

2. VDA 6.3 Audit Readiness

• Lead all activities required for VDA 6.3 compliance.
• Guide process owners through P1P7 process elements and ensure adherence to VDA audit requirements.
• Support process mapping control plan strengthening and measurement system improvements.
• Conduct internal process audits and train relevant teams on VDA methodologies.

3. Cross-Functional Governance & Stakeholder Management

• Establish steering committees regular review meetings and cross-functional working groups.
• Communicate project progress risks and escalations to senior management in a structured manner.
• Coordinate customer-specific requirements (CSR) implementation across departments.

4. Quality & Process Excellence

• Champion a culture of operational discipline risk-based thinking and continuous improvement.
• Provide expertise in APQP PPAP FMEA MSA SPC and Control Plans.
• Support improvements in supplier quality incoming inspection and production processes.
• Oversee training programs to ensure organization-wide compliance and competency.

5. Sustaining Compliance Post-Certification

• Maintain and continuously improve the Quality Management System after certification.
• Implement periodic internal audits management reviews and process monitoring.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with updated IATF VDA customer and regulatory requirements.

Job Requirements

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong industrialization/NPI background with process validation expertise.
• Proficiency in PFMEA Control Plan APQP/PPAP DOE SPC and statistical analysis.
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making.
• Systematic and structured approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and implement sustainable processes

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and influence without authority.
• Strong communication stakeholder management and cross-functional influence.
• Ability to manage multiple programs concurrently.
• High level of accountability and ownership

Behavioral

• Ownership bias structured thinking and bias for action.
• Collaborative leadershipable to influence without authority.
• Continuous improvement mindset

Education qualifications and special training

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering Quality Manufacturing or related field.

Experience

• 5 years of experience in the automotive industry with a proven track record in quality or project management.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 ISO 9001 and VDA 6.3 frameworks.
• Practical experience in deploying APQP PPAP FMEA Control Plans and other core quality tools.
• Experience managing large-scale cross-functional projects with structured methodologies.
• Excellent communication stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.

At Thales were committed to fostering a workplace where respect trust collaboration and passion drive everything we do. Here youll feel empowered to bring your best self thrive in a supportive culture and love the work you do. Join us and be part of a team reimagining technology to create solutions that truly make a difference for a safer greener and more inclusive world.