Lead Project Manager (Automotive)

Location: Bridgestone Tower; U.S. employment eligibility is required, including completion of Form I-9. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify candidates.

Company

Firestone Airide develops and manufactures air springs and related products for automotive, commercial, industrial, agricultural, rail, and other mobility applications as part of hirify.global.

What you will do

• Lead multiple automotive vehicle programs from concept and business case development through product development, production launch, and post-launch support.
• Build integrated program plans covering schedules, milestones, resources, budgets, deliverables, dependencies, and governance.
• Coordinate engineering, manufacturing, operations, quality, procurement, supply chain, finance, sales, customer service, suppliers, and customer teams.
• Manage customer communication, program reviews, launch readiness reviews, escalations, decisions, and executive reporting.
• Lead APQP and automotive launch activities, including PPAP readiness, FMEA, Control Plans, and change management.
• Track program financial performance, risks, quality, timing, profitability, corrective actions, and continuous improvement opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 8 or more years of project or program management experience, or an equivalent combination of advanced education and experience.
• Experience leading complex product development, launch, business transformation, or similarly cross-functional programs.
• Experience managing schedules, budgets, resources, risks, vendors, and executive reporting.
• Strong communication, facilitation, negotiation, analytical, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to meet U.S. employment eligibility requirements and complete Form I-9 verification; sponsorship may not be available.

Nice to have

• PMP certification or an equivalent project management credential.
• MBA, advanced technical degree, or relevant postgraduate education.
• Automotive industry experience and direct experience with OEM customers and Tier 1 suppliers.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and automotive launch processes.
• Experience with Microsoft Project, Microsoft 365, Power BI, SAP, risk management, and financial analysis.

Culture & Benefits

• Supportive onboarding with training and regular mentorship.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Global, dynamic, and challenging work environment.
• Inclusive team culture focused on collaboration, creativity, curiosity, and safer, more sustainable mobility.
• Emphasis on agility, work-life effectiveness, and long-term well-being.
• Corporate social responsibility opportunities.