APQP Operational Unit Manager

The APQP Operational Unit Manager drives the governance, deployment, and continuous improvement of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) standards, tools, and processes across Stellantis. The role ensures consistent APQP execution throughout the product development lifecycle, supporting successful program launches, risk mitigation, supplier readiness, and quality performance improvement. The Operational Unit Manager collaborates closely with PMGQ, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Supplier Quality, and Program Management teams to establish global standards and promote best practices

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the APQP Operational Unit and define the global APQP roadmap and strategic objectives.
• Develop, maintain, and deploy APQP standards, working procedures, and governance documentation.
• Ensure alignment of APQP deliverables with PDP milestone requirements and launch readiness expectations.
• Drive standardization and best-practice sharing across global regions and business units.
• Monitor APQP execution and identify systemic risks impacting project and launch quality performance.
• Develop and maintain APQP KPIs, dashboards, and performance reporting.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives supporting quality, efficiency, and process maturity.
• Govern APQP-related systems, tools, training materials, and process documentation.
• Support onboarding, training, and capability development of APQP and Project Quality teams.
• Facilitate lessons learned deployment and promote operational excellence across the organization.

Leadership Traits:

• Ability to influence and align global stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong communication skills capable of translating complex quality requirements into actionable plans.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to connect operational activities to long-term business objectives.
• Proven ability to drive standardization while adapting to regional and program-specific needs.
• Strong problem-solving and risk management capabilities.
• Ability to lead organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, supplier quality, and program management functions.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Business, or equivalent discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Quality, APQP, Program Management, Product Development, Manufacturing, or Supplier Quality.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience managing cross-functional initiatives or teams.
• Strong understanding of automotive product development and launch processes.
• Experience with quality systems, KPI management, and process governance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience leading global quality or operational teams.
• Knowledge of Stellantis Product Development Process (PDP).
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and Launch Readiness Reviews.
• Advanced Power BI, Power Platform, AI, and Microsoft Copilot experience.