Senior Project Manager - Automation

Job Title: Senior Project Manager

Location: Harper Woods, MI 48225 / Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Duration: Direct-Hire/ Full-Time

Note:

• The position will be based in Harper Woods for now until the existing project is completed. Then based in Auburn Hills.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• The Senior Project Manager is an experienced project management role responsible for assisting the Director of Projects in the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects. The Senior Project Manager will need to support and coordinate project activities under leadership of the Director of Projects, overseeing and managing complex, high-priority projects from initiation to completion. The Senior Project manager will provide support and mentorship to Project Managers and Junior Project Managers. Responsible project portfolio to average $40M in size.

Job Responsibilities:

• Leadership: Must be able to lead without direct authority, inspire teams, and effectively guide a project toward its goals.
• Communication: Serves as the central point of contact for teams and stakeholders, requiring clear verbal and written communication.
• Problem-solving: Identify potential issues and use critical thinking to develop effective solutions.
• Time Management: Create schedules, prioritize tasks, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Organization: Must balance many different tasks and components, including budget, schedules, and personnel.
• Risk Management: Identifies potential risks early on and creates strategies to prevent or minimize their impact.
• Budget and Resource Management: Develop and manage project budgets, track financial performance, and optimize the allocation of personnel and other resources to achieve project goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, senior executives, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to anticipate challenges, mitigate potential risks, and find effective solutions.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse teams and motivate members toward a common goal.
• Flexibility to manage and adapt to shifting priorities and project requirements in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong critical-thinking and analytical skills to address complex issues, make effective decisions, and find solutions under pressure.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5–10 years of experience in project management (ideally within automotive, manufacturing, or engineering environments).
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, v-lookups, data analysis).
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Ability to track budgets, schedules, and resources.
• Skilled in data collection, reporting, and trend analysis.
• Ability to summarize technical and financial information for management.
• Proficiency in MS Project, Smartsheet, or other project management software.
• Basic understanding of automotive manufacturing processes (tooling, assembly, supply chain).
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams (engineering, supply chain, quality, finance, manufacturing).
• Travel up to 30% to customer or company locations
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods on Wipro PARI shop floor and customer plants based on phase of the project and project demands
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10-15 years of direct experience in project or program support within the automotive industry.
• PMP, CAPM, PgMP or PfMP certification.
• Advanced Excel (macros, complex formulas).