Automotive Project Manager Jobs in Perry, MI (NOW HIRING)

Senior Project Manager

Air Lift Company, a third-generation family-owned company, was founded in 1949 in Lansing, Michigan. Air Lift Company supplies the automotive aftermarket with load assist products and performance suspensions for show and track. Our goal is to consistently provide products and services that meet and exceed customer’s requirements and expectations. We do this by recruiting top talent and retaining them through our commitment to professional development and preservation of our culture.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced, results-driven Senior Project Manager to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives within our aftermarket automotive business. This individual will provide strategic leadership across the full project lifecycle—from concept through commercialization—ensuring projects align with business objectives, drive organizational value, and achieve successful outcomes. The Senior Project Manager will influence stakeholders at all levels, proactively manage risks and dependencies, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver critical initiatives on time, within scope, and within budget. The ideal candidate brings advanced expertise in project and portfolio management methodologies, exceptional leadership and communication skills, and extensive knowledge of the aftermarket automotive industry. This role is also expected to mentor project managers, drive continuous improvement of project management practices, and contribute to the organization's long-term strategic growth.

What you'll do:

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of complex, high-impact strategic initiatives related to new product development, portfolio expansion, operational excellence, and business transformation.
• Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to define project objectives, business cases, success criteria, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements aligned with organizational priorities.
• Establish and maintain integrated project, program, and portfolio plans utilizing Microsoft Project and other project management tools to optimize visibility, resource utilization, and execution across multiple initiatives.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, and resource allocation while proactively identifying risks, dependencies, and constraints; drive mitigation and contingency planning to ensure successful outcomes.
• Provide leadership and direction to cross-functional teams including engineering, product management, marketing, sales, supply chain, quality, manufacturing, and external partners to achieve project and business objectives.
• Build alignment among stakeholders at all organizational levels, facilitating decision- making, resolving conflicts, and removing barriers that may impact project success.
• Monitor project and program performance through defined metrics and KPIs, delivering executive-level reporting and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
• Drive governance, stage-gate reviews, and project health assessments to ensure alignment with business objectives, compliance requirements, and organizational standards.
• Ensure project documentation, processes, and deliverables comply with internal procedures, regulatory requirements, and industry standards, including ISO 9001 and APQP methodologies where applicable.
• Lead post-project reviews, lessons learned sessions, and organizational knowledge- sharing activities to improve project execution and business performance.
• Mentor and coach project managers and cross-functional team members on project management best practices, tools, and methodologies.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives by enhancing project management frameworks, governance processes, templates, and best practices to strengthen organizational project management maturity.
• Influence strategic planning, portfolio prioritization, and resource allocation decisions to maximize business value and support long-term organizational growth.

What you'll bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field required
• Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification required.
• Microsoft Project Certification or demonstrated advanced proficiency in project planning, scheduling, resource management, and portfolio reporting required.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible project management experience, including leadership of complex, cross-functional product development, manufacturing, operational, or business transformation initiatives; aftermarket automotive industry experience strongly preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of product development processes, manufacturing operations, stage-gate methodologies, APQP principles, and aftermarket product lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated success leading multiple large-scale projects and strategic initiatives simultaneously while balancing competing priorities and delivering measurable business results.
• Proven ability to influence and build alignment among executive leadership, cross-functional stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and external partners.
• Strong understanding of project governance, risk management, portfolio prioritization, resource planning, budgeting, and organizational change management practices.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, facilitation, negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing project managers and cross-functional team members on project management best practices and methodologies.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Planner, Microsoft Teams, and project portfolio management tools.
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., Macola) and Product Information Management (PIM) and cataloging systems (e.g., SEMA Data Co-op).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop executive-level reports, dashboards, and presentations that support strategic decision-making.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and experience developing, implementing, or enhancing project management processes, governance frameworks, templates, and organizational best practices.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement certification preferred.
• Experience with value stream mapping, operational excellence initiatives, and process transformation projects.
• Experience managing supplier and vendor relationships, including strategic sourcing, development, and performance management.
• Experience supporting project portfolio management, PMO governance, or organizational project management maturity initiatives.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, and other automotive quality management systems and processes.

What we offer:

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Generous 401(k) with up to 8% company matching
• A supportive and inclusive company culture that prioritizes work/life balance
• Professional development to help grow your career
• Paid time off and paid holidays