Strategy Project Manager Jobs in Akron, OH (NOW HIRING)

ContiTech is one of the world's leading industry specialists. It offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 39,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some 6.4 billion euros (2024), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America

The purpose of this position is to plan, coordinate, govern, and monitor strategically relevant Operations projects across all IAM manufacturing plants. The role ensures successful execution of performance improvement initiatives, cost optimization programs, and strategic / footprint capital investment projects in alignment with BA Operations strategy and business objectives. Position to report directly to the CEO. This is an executive level role with functional management responsibility, providing strategic direction, leadership, and oversight for the function across the Americas region.

Coordination and governance of an annual BA Operations investment portfolio exceeding 120 million EUR (expansions, strategic footprint, automation transformation etc)
Oversight of strategically relevant operational projects across all IAM manufacturing locations
Support of BA-wide Cost Improvement Programs (CIP) and operational excellence initiatives

Project Portfolio Execution:

Consolidate and maintain a transparent portfolio view of all strategically relevant IAM plant projects following eCR approval.
Monitor project timing, financial performance, risks, and mitigation activities throughout execution.
Track and report project financial performance after Start of Production (PCA phase).
Drive and support IAM plants in the execution of BA Cost Improvement Programs (CIP).
Lead and execute selected strategic projects from eCR approval through Start of Production (SoP), as assigned by IAM Operations Senior Leadership.

Project Management Excellence & Capability Development:

Align project management tools, standards, and methodologies with CT Sector requirements.
Coordinate project management training and capability development activities for plant project leaders.
Support plant project leaders in achieving project objectives related to cost, quality, and timing.
Serve as an escalation point for project delays, execution risks, and roadblocks.
Coordinate structured problem-solving initiatives as assigned by IAM Operations Leadership.

Quality First, Safety Always:

Act as a role model and ambassador for Quality and Safety.
Drive internal and external customer satisfaction through ownership, process discipline, and high-quality execution.
Ensure quality of deliverables within the assigned area of responsibility as process owner or process participant.
Promote a culture focused on Zero Defects, Zero Incidents, and Zero Accidents.

Sustainability: 

Promote and inspire sustainable thinking and continuous improvement.
Develop and support solutions aligned with Continental's sustainability strategy.
Ensure compliance with CT sustainability standards, targets, and initiatives.

20 - 30 % travel yearly

Location:  ContiTech Fairlawn OH or other CT locations in US. Relocation within US possible.  No international relocation

**Required Competencies:**

• Project Management methodologies, tools, and techniques (Method Expert)
• Financial analysis, investment evaluation, and business case principles (Process Expert)
• Strong leadership skills, managing teams through transformational strategic projects (Method Expert)
• Structured problem-solving and decision-making methodologies (Process Expert)
• Human relations and leadership skills including teamwork, conflict resolution, networking, facilitation, and negotiation (Process Expert)

**Advanced Competencies:**

• Management systems, performance management tools, and benchmarking methodologies (Process Advanced)
• Quality Management systems, standards, and processes (Process Advanced)
• Lean Manufacturing and CBS principles, methods, and tools (Process Advanced)
• Product functionality and application knowledge (Process Advanced)
• Manufacturing technologies, systems, infrastructure, standards, and operational processes (Process Advanced)

**Language & Regional Requirements:**

• English Language proficiency (Country Advanced)

Education / Certification

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Master's degree in Engineering, MBA and/or Project Management certification (e.g., PMP) strongly preferred.

Professional Experience
(Variety of Functions, Variety of Business, General Management Experience)

Minimum 5 years of experience in project management within a manufacturing environment or similar technical engineering environments.
10+ years of project management experience preferred.
Proven experience leading cross-functional projects involving Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, and Purchasing.
Experience in capital investment planning and execution preferred.
Experience in manufacturing performance improvement and cost optimization initiatives preferred.

Project and/or Process Experience

Demonstrated experience managing industrialization, capacity expansion, equipment installation, automation, and production ramp-up projects.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and production systems.
Experience in rubber and plastics manufacturing processes preferred.
Experience managing projects throughout the full lifecycle from business case development through Start of Production (SoP) and post-launch performance evaluation.

Leadership Experience

Minimum 4 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing or technical environment.
Experience leading project teams and coordinating cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.
Experience managing global, virtual, and multicultural teams preferred.
Demonstrated ability to influence decision-making at plant and business-area leadership level

Intercultural / International Experience

Experience working with international teams across multiple regions and cultures.
Strong understanding of global manufacturing environments and organizational structures.
Fluent English communication skills (written and verbal) required.
Additional language skills are considered an advantage

Location Flexibility: This role offers location flexibility and may be based in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, depending on the selected candidate's location.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.