Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and guidance to cross-functional teams for engineering projects related to new business development and design/material change management.

• Manage multiple complex programs through all phases of the Product Life Cycle, applying APQP and other relevant methodologies to ensure timely and successful launches.

• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, milestones, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer expectations.

• Serve as the primary interface to the customer, supported by internal teams, to deliver updates, track progress, and ensure satisfaction.

• Coordinate with Product Engineering, Quality, and Metrology teams during prototype kick-off to define measurement techniques and product layout.

• Collect and vet prototype and production documentation from internal and external suppliers, ensuring compliance through Quality review.

• Lead costing activities and pricing strategies for key projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and cost targets.

• Conduct investment and profitability analysis for new projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Identify and manage risks, including deviations from quotes, contracts, or project agreements, and implement mitigation plans.

• Track and report project status weekly and monthly, escalating issues when necessary to maintain timelines and budgets.

• Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs to inform strategic planning and margin improvement.

• Manage supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of project components within budget.

• Communicate project variances in budget, scope, and schedule to Product Marketing and Management.

• Ensure product launches are completed on time, within budget, and with optimized material costs.

• Actively contribute to continuous improvement of project management methodologies, incorporating lessons learned and best practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred; MBA is a plus.

• 7+ years of experience in Program or Project Management, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams within a structured product development framework.

• Expertise in APQP and lean systems; Six Sigma skills preferred.

• Strong business acumen and analytical skills.

• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with QAD and Sales Data Warehouse is a plus.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines.

• Must be able to read product drawings and understand product costing.

Communication & Collaboration: Communicates clearly and concisely, while engaging proactively with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
Value for Customers: Anticipates, understands and meets internal/external customers’ needs and expectations. Develops solutions based on a customer centric approach.
Innovation: Drives and supports innovative ideas, while taking informed risks to seek and develop new or improved solutions.
Drive & Execution: Proactively identifies what needs to be done and takes action. Explores new ways and pursues new opportunities. 

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership