Technical Project Manager

at  Volkswagen Group Canada

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER BASED OUT OF THE ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO OFFICE.

As we continue the successful ramp-up phase of our North American operations and beyond, we are looking for a reliable and experienced Technical Project Manager. Reporting to the PMO Manager, this individual will play a pivotal role in managing and coordinating the technical aspects of our project, with a particular focus on factory ramp-up, construction and design activities, collaborating closely with project managers and relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and standards.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills are imperative to effectively support the PMO Manager in driving successful project outcomes. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and driven individual to contribute to the success of our projects and make a significant impact within our organization. If you are passionate about leading technical projects and driving innovation in industrial settings, we want to hear from you!
This is a temporary flex hybrid model, requiring 2 days in the St. Thomas office.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management or related fields.
• 8+ year’s professional experience in technical project management, specifically within production line or industrial factories set-up.
• Demonstrated experience in managing factory ramp-ups, construction projects, and process design within a technical or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of project management tools & methodologies with a focus on technical workstreams, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Extensive experience in overseeing cross-functional teams, including engineering, construction, operations, and external contractors.
• Experience in budget management, cost control, and resource planning for large-scale industrial projects.
• Solid knowledge of industrial safety standards, quality management systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to address technical challenges and provide innovative solutions.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, capable of engaging with senior stakeholders and managing complex technical discussions.
• Ability to operate cross-functionally (vertically and horizontally) in a high-demand, rapidly shifting environment and ability to multi-task, determine and shift priorities.
• Extremely collaborative, organized, detail-oriented, with an ability to juggle multiple issues and activities simultaneously in a highly professional manner.
• Proven ability to identify and mitigate risks, ensuring smooth project execution and timely delivery of technical milestones.
• Ability to work in an intercultural environment including empathy and interpersonal understandings.
• Occasional travel within Ontario, as well as internationally (10 to 20%).
• Ability to maintain flexible work hours to account for time zone differences with Europe, when necessary.

• Overtime may be required to meet ramp-up deadlines.

  Additional desired skills:

• International mindset and strong interest in global work and diverse teams.

• Entrepreneurial drive to help establish a company from the ground up.
• Experience in automotive and/or e-mobility industry (challenges & opportunities) is considered an asset.
• German language skills are considered an asset.

• Manage factory ramp-up projects, ensuring alignment with design specifications, construction timelines, and operational goals.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the execution of construction, equipment installation, and process design activities.
• Manage technical aspects of project workstreams, including engineering, procurement, and construction.
• Develop project timelines, resource allocation, and budget management to ensure project completion on schedule and within scope.
• Ensure adherence to industry standards, safety regulations, and company quality guidelines throughout all project phases.
• Develop and maintain detailed project documentation, including technical reports, schedules, and risk assessments.
• Drive risk identification and mitigation strategies to address potential project delays or technical challenges.
• Monitor progress of construction and installation activities, providing real-time updates to leadership and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external contractors to resolve technical issues and ensure smooth project execution.
• Facilitate regular project reviews, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Track and report project KPIs related to technical performance, timeline adherence, and quality metrics.
• Ensure alignment between technical project deliverables and organizational objectives, maintaining a focus on operational efficiency and innovation.
• Identify opportunities to enhance project management processes and procedures to increase efficiency and effectiveness, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within the team.
• Contribute to the implementation of best practices and standardized methodologies across project teams, promoting consistency and quality in project delivery.
• Engage in continuous learning and development to stay updated on project management practices and industry trends, enhancing skills and knowledge in project management.
• Provide regular project updates to the Head of Project Management and/or CEO, communicating project status, milestones, risks, and issues effectively.
• Perform additional duties as assigned or relevant to the position, contributing to the overall success of the Project Management team and organization.