Project Manager Lead

Overview

Join a dynamic team at a leading automotive manufacturer partnering with Aquent! As a Project Economical Manager, you will play a crucial role in shaping the financial success of cutting-edge vehicle programs. Your expertise in cost management will directly impact the development and launch of exciting new vehicles, ensuring optimal cost/performance ratios and driving financial efficiency. Be a key player in shaping the future of mobility!
This exciting role offers you the opportunity to:

• Structure project cost management based on project partnerships, optimizing resource allocation and financial contributions.
• Steer design decisions to achieve cost objectives, balancing financial considerations with performance, quality, and timelines.
• Provide comprehensive economical reporting, forecasting project costs, tracking expenses and investments, and identifying potential risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate with purchasing teams to establish component cost targets, ensuring alignment with overall project budgets.
• Develop and execute cost convergence plans, proactively addressing deviations and ensuring projects stay on track financially.
• Negotiate and manage cost contracts with manufacturing teams, optimizing production costs and investment strategies.
• Oversee yearly investment and expense reporting, providing accurate financial data and analysis to support decision-making.
• Play a key role in financial collaborations with partners, ensuring smooth economic convergence, contract approvals, and reporting.

Must-Have Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Electrical, Applied Physics, Aerospace, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in design, development, and program management within Product Development functions/vehicle engineering.
• 1+ years of experience in cost management roles with budget and TPC responsibilities.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Proven project management and planning skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and task forces.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.).

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• Master of Science in Mechanical, Electrical, Applied Physics, Aerospace, or Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• Team building skills.
• DFSS Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Ability to be self-motivated and work independently.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $48.36 to $53.74 an hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

About Aquent Talent:
Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.