Your mission, roles and responsibilities

Forvia is building a North American Automation Center of Excellence (COE) to define and deploy next-generation automation solutions across our manufacturing network.
As an Automation Project Manager, you will play a critical role in shaping and executing this strategy-leading the development of automation concepts, aligning global stakeholders, and ultimately driving large-scale deployment of automation systems across our plants.
This is a multi-phase role:
• Phase 1 (Year 1): Strategy development, technology evaluation, and global alignment
• Phase 2 (2027+): Execution of large-scale automation programs (~$6M+), including plant deployment and rollout

Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Development (Year 1 Focus)
• Lead the development of automation strategies and technology roadmaps for global operations
• Evaluate and validate automation technologies (robotics, material handling, JIT systems) for high-volume manufacturing
• Partner with global teams to define standardized automation solutions
• Build business cases and CapEx justifications for future investments
• Coordinate cross-functional alignment with Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain
Program Leadership & Execution (2027+)
• Lead implementation of large-scale automation projects (~$6M CapEx) across multiple plants
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables in collaboration with plant teams and suppliers
• Oversee external automation integrators and vendors
• Ensure successful deployment aligned to cost, quality, and efficiency targets
Team Leadership & Collaboration
• Coordinate and guide a team of technical specialists (robotics, controls, IT)
• Act as the primary liaison between global teams, regional operations, and suppliers
• Drive knowledge sharing and best practice adoption across sites

Your profile and competencies to succeed

Required
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field
• ~8+ years of experience in automation, manufacturing engineering, or industrial engineering
• Experience in high-volume automotive manufacturing (seating, assembly, or material handling)
• Experience managing large-scale capital projects (CapEx) in manufacturing environments
• Strong experience working with automation suppliers/integrators
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional and global initiatives
Preferred
• Exposure to Industry 4.0 / smart manufacturing initiatives
• Prior experience in a COE, advanced manufacturing, or strategy-driven environment

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship of any kind, now or in the future

What we can do for you

• At Forvia, you will find an engaging and dynamic environment where you can contribute to the development of sustainable mobility leading technologies.
• We are the seventh-largest global automotive supplier, employing more than 157,000 people in more than 40 countries which makes a lot of opportunity for career development.
• We welcome energetic and agile people who can thrive in a fast-changing environment. People who share our strong values. Team players with a collaborative mindset and a passion to deliver high standards for our clients. Lifelong learners. High performers. Globally minded people who aspire to work in a transforming industry, where excellence, speed, and quality count.
• We cultivate a learning environment, dedicating tools and resources to ensure we remain at the forefront of mobility. Our people enjoy an average of more than 22 hours of online and in-person training within FORVIA University (five campuses around the world)
• We offer a multicultural environment that values diversity and international collaboration. We believe that diversity is a strength. To create an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity create real value for the company, we have adopted gender diversity targets and inclusion action plans.
• Achieving CO2 Net Zero as a pioneer of the automotive industry is a priority: In June 2022, Forvia became the first global automotive group to be certified with the new SBTI Net-Zero Standard (the most ambitious standard of SBTi), aligned with the ambition of the 2015 Paris Agreement of limiting global warming to 1.56C. Three principles guide our action: use less, use better and use longer, with a focus on recyclability and circular economy.