*** APQP Automotive Project Manager ***

Top Automotive Manufacturing firm seeks APQP Automotive Project Manager.

To own and manage the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process, ensuring compliance with Toyota’s Part Approval Process (PA) and Ford’s eAPQP standards. Lead cross-functional teams, including engineers, quality, and suppliers, to achieve product launch and quality excellence..

Non-Negotiables (We will check):

  • BEE: Open to all

  • 5 years APQP project management in the automotive industry

  • 5 years Experience leading cross-functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, quality)
  • 5 years Worked with Toyota PA process or Ford eAPQP system
  • 5 years Knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, VDA 6, and Ford Q1 standards
  • Results Orientated
  • People Person – Excellent Client Relationships

What the person must be able to do:

This role is in the Automotive Manufacturing sector. All duties would take place in this context.

  • Own the APQP process within the organization and ensure alignment with Ford & Toyota supplier quality standards
  • Lead cross-functional teams (engineers, quality, manufacturing, suppliers) to ensure execution of APQP deliverables
  • Oversee PPAP submissions and ensure compliance with Toyota SQAM and Ford Q1
  • Manage supplier APQP requirements and interface with OEM representatives for APQP milestone approvals
  • Ensure risk mitigation and quality planning through effective FMEA reviews, Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams

Key Job Deliverables:

  • To ensure all APQP deliverables (FMEA, Control Plans, Process Flows) are completed on time
  • To manage supplier quality compliance with Toyota and Ford APQP standards
  • To lead APQP project execution, ensuring product launches meet OEM requirements

Qualifications & Background work experience:

  • Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering + Preference for APQP certification

  • Led APQP implementation for a Tier 1 supplier, ensuring successful product launch for Ford and Toyota by coordinating PPAP submissions, FMEA reviews, and control plans while managing supplier quality compliance.

  • Managed a cross-functional team of engineers, quality managers, and production specialists to implement APQP milestones, ensuring product readiness for OEM approval. Oversaw risk assessments (DFMEA, PFMEA) and production trial runs to meet launch deadlines.
  • Led APQP compliance for a Tier 1 supplier working with both Toyota and Ford OEM processes. Managed Toyota’s Part Approval (PA) process, ensuring compliance with Supplier Part Master Plan (SPMP), Manufacturing Quality Control (MQC), and Toyota Inspection Standards (TIS). Simultaneously, oversaw Ford’s eAPQP system, handling PPAP submissions, control plans, and process capability studies (Cpk, Ppk) through Ford’s Covisint platform. Ensured supplier quality met Toyota SQAM and Ford Q1 certification requirements, successfully passing multiple OEM quality audits.
  • Led IATF 16949 internal audits to ensure compliance with automotive quality management standards. Managed PPAP and Control Plan approvals per Ford Q1 and VDA 6 guidelines, successfully passing multiple OEM quality audits.
  • Advantageous: Mechanical Design exposure

Personality Summary:

  • High Driver – Ambitious, Results Orientated Go-getter. Self-Starter. Makes things happen.
  • Moderate Administrative – Good with procedures, processes and best practices.
  • Moderate Expressive – People person, charming, persuasive.

Benefits of this Role:

  • Leading Firm
  • Strong growth prospects
  • You can make your mark here

Reports to: Head R&D
Location: Springs, Ekurhuleni

Salary: Market Related. In the Range of R850K to R950K per annum. Highly exceptional more senior candidates may be considered.

Type: Permanent
Start: ASAP
Reference: j836

Jobs like this don’t come around that often, so make sure you apply now.

Email: [Email Address Removed]

** Common questions (Please Read) **

  1. Is the role current?
    Yes

  2. How do I apply for the job?
    Email your CV to [Email Address Removed]
    We don’t take faxes or walk ins.

  3. How do I know if you got my CV?
    We will send a standard confirmation response to all CVs received. If you do not receive our response, first check your spam folder or resend your CV.
    If there is still an issue with sending your CV, please WhatsApp: [Phone Number Removed];. (WhatsApp please, don’t call we can’t assist telephonically)

  4. I don’t see your email address or the email address bounces?
    Apply through the career portal you saw the ad on. They will email your CV to us.

  5. I’m not suited to this role, but I want to be on your database.
    Send your CV to [Email Address Removed]

  6. Do you offer internships?
    No.

  7. I want to try and circumvent your process?
    Bad idea. Your CV will most likely be lost and you will most likely be forgotten about (we talk to too many people to remember them all). Also your CV will not be added to our database for future roles. So you will probably end up not even being considered for the role.

We don’t play favourites. All CVs are responded to. We want the most suitable people for the job. If you are good, we will take notice and contact you for an interview.

Jobs like this don’t come around that often, so make sure you apply now.

Email: [Email Address Removed]

Desired Skills:

  • APQP project management in the automotive industry
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams (engineering
  • manufacturing
  • quality)
  • Worked with Toyota PA process or Ford eAPQP system
  • Knowledge of ISO 9001
  • IATF 16949
  • VDA 6
  • and Ford Q1 standards

Desired Work Experience:

  • 5 to 10 years

Desired Qualification Level:

  • Diploma

Learn more/Apply for this position