Chargé(e) de projets - Développement de programme

About the role

You will plan resources and activities for the development and production rollout of new automotive parts, aligning closely with both customer demands and internal strategic objectives. You will coordinate engineering changes, manage project schedules, and ensure that designs are manufacturable while actively seeking cost reduction opportunities. Acting as the technical liaison, you will represent the customer internally and support production teams to resolve any issues affecting delivery or quality. You will lead cross-functional initiatives, applying structured project management methods to move programs efficiently through stage-gate processes. You will monitor and report program progress to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and timely decision-making. You will also contribute to the enhancement of departmental standards and help mentor team members on best practices. This role offers significant autonomy, concrete responsibilities, and direct visibility within a multinational automotive supplier environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

Plan resource allocation and detailed activities for new product development and production launch, based on customer specifications and internal requirements (SPQCD).

Coordinate development activities and adjust the initial project schedule to accommodate new product introductions and changing priorities.

Coordinate internal and external engineering changes (PPCR) to ensure seamless implementation across departments and partners.

Coordinate engineering activities required for the submission process, ensuring all deliverables are complete and compliant.

Ensure designs are manufacturable, identify potential issues early, and request necessary modifications to optimize production feasibility.

Act as the customer's technical representative within the company, safeguarding their interests and ensuring expectations are met.

Support production in various activities that could impact the customer, and confirm that customer expectations are consistently respected.

Lead and promote cost reduction initiatives (Tamazume) linked to programs, identifying savings opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.

Participate in the development, improvement, and implementation of departmental standards to enhance process consistency and performance.

Manage the development of projects following a stage-gate process, ensuring clear milestones, risks, and decision points are monitored.

Present program advancement to senior management, providing concise updates on status, issues, and upcoming actions.

Manage tooling and production center operation budgets, aligning spending with project plans and financial targets.

Ensure effective knowledge transfer and provide training to new team members, supporting their integration and long-term capability development.

Accompany project managers in applying sound project management practices, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Requirements

DEC or a university degree (BAC) in engineering or another relevant field; this is a mandatory credential for consideration.

Possess experience in a manufacturing environment and/or within the automotive industry, as this background is essential for understanding customer needs.

Demonstrate intermediate mastery of Excel and the full Microsoft Office suite, as these tools are central to daily responsibilities.

Have familiarity with project planning using Sciforma, which is required for managing complex schedules and dependencies.

Know how to use project planning software such as MS Project or Sciforma, as these systems are critical for tracking progress and resources.

Have knowledge of SAP, PLM, and Lotus Notes, as these systems support data management and communication across functions.

Be functionally bilingual in French and English for customer communications, presentations, and interactions with Japanese, Ontario, Detroit, and other stakeholders.

Promote a motivating work environment for team members, fostering engagement, trust, and collaboration across diverse functions.

Manage personal priorities effectively and respond appropriately to unexpected issues without losing focus on objectives.

Work effectively within a team, demonstrating strong communication skills and the willingness to engage in open dialogue and constructive feedback.

Apply critical thinking, autonomy, and initiative to identify problems, evaluate options, and implement solutions.

Understand project management concepts and maintain strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks, deadlines, and competing demands.

Nice to have

Knowledge of project management tools such as Sciforma is preferred for streamlining planning and tracking activities.

Familiarity with SAP, PLM, and Lotus Notes is considered an asset for efficiently navigating integrated IT systems.

Bilingual proficiency in French and English is regarded as an advantage for smoother interactions with internal and external partners.

Practical notes

The position is full-time permanent; candidates should be available to work primarily on-site in Waterville.

Occasional travel within Canada and to the United States (Ontario, Detroit, and Windsor) is required, typically 3 to 4 times per year.

The role includes the possibility of working one day per week remotely, subject to operational needs and team alignment.

Successful candidates will be expected to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and engage with high-profile international clients.

This is a strategic role designed for professionals seeking autonomy, tangible impact, and visibility within senior leadership discussions.