Technical Project Manager

Job Description - Technical Project Manager (St. Thomas) (ST.000125)

We love our cars, but it’s the people behind them who make them what they are. To market, sell, and service great cars, we need great people. That’s why at Volkswagen Group Canada, we are passionate about our cars and our brand and foster this same passion and drive in our people. We know that the right people in the right positions can do incredible things, and we love making that happen.

Our mission has started. Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory in St. Thomas will carry out all battery activities – from processing raw materials to developing a unified Volkswagen battery to managing the European and North American gigafactories. Headquartered in Salzgitter, Germany, we are experiencing the transformation of mobility up close. Our goal is to contribute a positive impact to our global society, the environment and the economy. To reach these goals we need your POWER

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.

Primary Responsibilities:

• 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.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management or related fields.
• 8+ years 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.

What you’ll get in return:

• A flexible and collaborative team dynamic.
• Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community.
• Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package.
• And much more

*Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, family status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, or local laws.

Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.