About the role

AI summarised

The Automotive Project Manager at Thales will lead the organization's introduction into automotive industry standards, specifically IATF 16949 certification and VDA 6.3 process readiness. This role involves driving cross-functional alignment, ensuring process compliance, building a sustainable quality management system, and supporting the long-term strategy to serve the automotive market.

Aerospace & DefenseFull-timeGeneral

Key Responsibilities

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.
Lead all activities required for VDA 6.3 compliance.
Guide process owners through P1–P7 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.
Establish steering committees, regular review meetings, and cross-functional working groups.
Communicate project progress, risks, and escalations to senior management in a structured manner.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field.
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.
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.
Strong leadership and influence without authority.
Ability to manage multiple programs concurrently.
High level of accountability and ownership.
Ownership bias, structured thinking, and bias for action.
Collaborative leadership—able to influence without authority.
Continuous improvement mindset.