Automotive Project Manager

Location: Singapore, Singapore

Thales is a global technology leader trusted by governments, institutions, and enterprises to tackle their most demanding challenges. From quantum applications and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and 6G innovation, our solutions empower critical decisions rooted in human intelligence. Operating at the forefront of aerospace and space, cybersecurity and digital identity, we’re driven by a mission to build a future we can all trust.

In Singapore, Thales has been a trusted partner since 1973, originally focused on aerospace activities in the Asia-Pacific region. With 2,000 employees across three local sites, we deliver cutting-edge solutions across aerospace (including air traffic management), defence and security, and digital identity and cybersecurity sectors. Together, we’re shaping the future by enabling customers to make pivotal decisions that safeguard communities and power progress.

The Automotive Project Manager is to lead our Organization’s introduction into Automotive Industry standards, specifically IATF 16949 certification and VDA 6.3 process readiness. This role is critical in driving cross-functional alignment, ensuring process compliance, building a sustainable quality management system, and supporting our long-term strategy to serve automotive market. He or she will the overall coordinator

Key Responsibilities

The job holder shall at all times during employment with the company, respect and comply with the Thales Quality, Health, Safety, Environmental & Security requirements during the performance of his/her duties.

1. IATF 16949 Certification Project Leadership

• Lead, plan, and execute the full roadmap toward IATF 16949 certification.
• Develop and maintain the overall project plan, milestones, timelines, and risk assessments.
• Drive alignment with Quality, Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams.
• Coordinate gap assessments, root cause analyses, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Ensure robust documentation that meets IATF requirements (procedures, work instructions, KPIs, risk analyses, etc.).
• Facilitate internal audits and readiness assessments prior to certification audits.

2. VDA 6.3 Audit Readiness

• Lead all activities required for VDA 6.3 compliance.
• Guide process owners through P1–P7 process elements and ensure adherence to VDA audit requirements.
• Support process mapping, control plan strengthening, and measurement system improvements.
• Conduct internal process audits and train relevant teams on VDA methodologies.

3. Cross-Functional Governance & Stakeholder Management

• Establish steering committees, regular review meetings, and cross-functional working groups.
• Communicate project progress, risks, and escalations to senior management in a structured manner.
• Coordinate customer-specific requirements (CSR) implementation across departments.

4. Quality & Process Excellence

• Champion a culture of operational discipline, risk-based thinking, and continuous improvement.
• Provide expertise in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and Control Plans.
• Support improvements in supplier quality, incoming inspection, and production processes.
• Oversee training programs to ensure organization-wide compliance and competency.

5. Sustaining Compliance Post-Certification

• Maintain and continuously improve the Quality Management System after certification.
• Implement periodic internal audits, management reviews, and process monitoring.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with updated IATF, VDA, customer, and regulatory requirements.

Job Requirements

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong industrialization/NPI background with process validation expertise.
• Proficiency in PFMEA, Control Plan, APQP/PPAP, DOE, SPC, and statistical analysis.
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making.
• Systematic and structured approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and implement sustainable processes

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and influence without authority.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional influence.
• Ability to manage multiple programs concurrently.
• High level of accountability and ownership

Behavioral

• Ownership bias, structured thinking, and bias for action.
• Collaborative leadership—able to influence without authority.
• Continuous improvement mindset

Education, qualifications, and special training

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in the automotive industry, with a proven track record in quality or project management.
• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and VDA 6.3 frameworks.
• Practical experience in deploying APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and other core quality tools.
• Experience managing large-scale cross-functional projects with structured methodologies.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.

At Thales, we’re committed to fostering a workplace where respect, trust, collaboration, and passion drive everything we do. Here, you’ll feel empowered to bring your best self, thrive in a supportive culture, and love the work you do. Join us, and be part of a team reimagining technology to create solutions that truly make a difference – for a safer, greener, and more inclusive world.