As a Project Manager at Magna International, your day-to-day work is dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative. You are responsible for leading the program team from kickoff to steady-state production, ensuring all milestones are met on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

• Lead Cross-Functional Teams – Direct and motivate a team of specialists from engineering, quality, purchasing, logistics, and manufacturing to ensure seamless program execution.
• Manage Program Gateways – Oversee internal and customer-specific milestone reviews, ensuring all APQP deliverables are met before advancing to the next phase.
• Control Budgets and Financials – Track program capital expenditures (CapEx), tooling costs, launch budgets, and overall program profitability.
• Serve as the Primary Customer Interface – Act as the main point of contact for the OEM customer, hosting regular status meetings, managing action item lists, and addressing concerns.
• Coordinate Plant Readiness – Work closely with plant management to plan pre-production builds, coordinate trial runs on the assembly line, and ensure the facility is ready for high-volume manufacturing.
• Drive Risk Mitigation – Identify potential launch risks early, develop proactive mitigation plans, and escalate critical roadblocks to leadership with clear recommendation strategies.

We look for candidates who combine solid technical foundations with practical project management experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Education – Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience – Proven track record of managing programs within the automotive industry, preferably at a Tier-1 supplier.
• Core Knowledge – Deep familiarity with automotive launch processes, including APQP, PPAP, FMEAs, and control plans.
• Communication – Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly to diverse audiences.
• Leadership – Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, and build consensus across cross-functional, matrixed teams.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Certifications – Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent program management certification.
• Technical Skills – Experience with specific manufacturing processes relevant to the division (e.g., injection molding, stamping, casting, robotics, automated assembly).
• Quality Standards – Strong understanding of IATF 16949 quality management system requirements.
• Tools – Proficiency with project management software, such as MS Project, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems like SAP.

Q: How technical do I need to be for this role? A: While you do not need to be a design engineer, you must have enough technical depth to understand engineering drawings, manufacturing processes, and quality specifications. You need to be able to ask the right questions and lead technical problem-solving discussions effectively.

Q: What is the dress code for the on-site interview and plant tour? A: Business professional attire is expected for the interview portions. However, because you will be touring a live manufacturing plant, you must wear safe, closed-toe shoes (preferably steel-toed boots if you have them). Safety glasses and hearing protection will be provided by Magna.

Q: How decentralized is the hiring process across different Magna divisions? A: Magna is highly decentralized, meaning individual divisions (like Magna Powertrain, Magna Seating, or Magna Cosma) manage their own hiring processes. While core standards and behavioral expectations remain consistent, the specific structure of your interviews and the technical focus will be tailored to the division's products and plant operations.

Q: How much travel is required for Project Managers? A: Travel requirements vary by program phase. During critical launch windows, tooling runoffs, or customer trial builds, you may need to travel to customer facilities or supplier plants. This can range from 10% to 30% depending on the specific program.

To set yourself apart during the Magna International interview process, keep these practical, insider tips in mind:

• Treat the Plant Tour as Part of the Interview: The plant tour is not just a courtesy; it is an active evaluation. Ask insightful questions about plant capacity, automation levels, safety protocols, and continuous improvement initiatives. Show genuine interest in the physical manufacturing process.
• Highlight Your OEM Experience: Be explicit about the specific OEM customers you have managed in the past. Understanding the unique systems, portals, and launch requirements of customers like GM, Ford, or Stellantis is highly valuable to our hiring managers.
• Use the STAR Method for Behavioral Questions: Structure your answers using the Situation, Task, Action, and Result framework. Focus heavily on the Action you personally took and the quantifiable Result of your efforts (e.g., "delivered the program two weeks ahead of schedule" or "reduced launch scrap by 15%").
• Research the Specific Division: Before your interview, find out which Magna division you are interviewing with. Tailor your preparation to their specific product portfolio, whether it is body structures, powertrain systems, active aerodynamics, or seating.

• Show Pride in Your Hands-on Experience: Magna has a very down-to-earth, entrepreneurial culture. We value leaders who are not afraid to roll up their sleeves, spend time on the plant floor, and work alongside production teams to solve problems.

A Project Manager position at Magna International is an exceptional opportunity to lead high-impact programs at the forefront of the automotive industry. By managing complex launches and driving cross-functional collaboration, you will play a direct role in delivering innovative mobility solutions to the world's leading automakers.

To succeed in this competitive selection process, focus your preparation on demonstrating a deep understanding of automotive launch standards (APQP/PPAP), proving your resilience in high-pressure situations, and showcasing your ability to lead diverse teams. Approach your interviews with a collaborative, practical, and safety-first mindset that aligns with Magna's operational culture.

The salary insights above represent the competitive compensation packages we offer to attract top talent. This range reflects the critical nature of the Project Manager role in our organization. When preparing your salary expectations, consider your years of automotive experience, your familiarity with specific manufacturing technologies, and the geographic location of the facility.

As you prepare to take the next step in your career, remember that thorough preparation is your greatest asset. For deeper insights, real-world candidate experiences, and additional interview resources, explore the tools available on Dataford to ensure you walk into your interviews with complete confidence. We wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing the impact you can make at Magna International.