Project Manager Prototyping and LTS

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Manager Prototyping and LTS

Company: D-Career (DRÄXLMAIER Group)

Location: Satu Mare, Romania

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Management / Project Management / Manufacturing Operations

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (Estimated 2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage significant Life Time Supply (LTS) projects, ensuring successful planning, organization, and execution of project lifecycles.

• Drive the development and implementation of technical production concepts, acting as a key liaison between project teams and stakeholders.

• Control project costs, monitor budget adherence, and proactively implement corrective actions to maintain financial targets.

• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across project teams, supervisors, and internal/external customers to achieve project objectives.

• Contribute to the strategic adaptation and implementation of project management methodologies and standards within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Project Manager within the context of Manufacturing Operations, specifically focusing on "Life Time Supply" (LTS) projects and prototyping. The "LTS" designation suggests a focus on managing the post-production lifecycle of components or systems, which is critical in industries like automotive where DRÄXLMAIER operates. This implies a need for strong process management, supply chain coordination, and technical production understanding beyond initial product launch. The "Prototyping" aspect indicates involvement in early-stage development and validation phases.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage major LTS projects from initiation to completion, encompassing comprehensive planning, resource allocation, and execution oversight.

• Coordinate and manage multiple smaller LTS projects or sub-projects concurrently, ensuring alignment with overall program goals.

• Develop detailed cost plans for projects, diligently monitor expenditure against budget, and implement timely corrective actions to mitigate deviations.

• Ensure the conceptualization, development, and successful implementation of technical production strategies and concepts.

• Prepare and manage change requests, meticulously analyzing and evaluating their cost implications in collaboration with the LTS project team and supervisors.

• Select, adapt, and implement appropriate project management methodologies and standards to meet internal operational needs.

• Provide crucial support to the Life Time Supply project team, particularly in complex areas of project steering, reporting, and deriving necessary operational measures.

• Assist in the preparation and smooth transfer of projects from series production to LTS production, serving as a primary contact for production-related inquiries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic project management and hands-on operational execution within a manufacturing context. The emphasis on "Life Time Supply" projects suggests a focus on managing parts and processes for products that are no longer in mass production but require continued support, which is a specialized area within operations. This requires not just project management skills but also an understanding of inventory management, obsolescence, and long-term support strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in a Technical field (e.g., Engineering, Industrial Technology, Operations Management). Experience:

• Proven experience in Project Management, with a focus on managing complex technical or manufacturing projects.

• Demonstrated experience in planning, organizing, and controlling project activities.

• Experience in managing project budgets and cost control. Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proficient in project planning, execution, monitoring, and closing.

• Technical Production Concepts: Ability to understand and implement technical production strategies.

• Cost Planning & Control: Skill in developing budgets, monitoring expenses, and taking corrective actions.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, particularly in English, for stakeholder engagement.

• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, and maintain structure in project environments.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Aptitude for identifying issues, analyzing root causes, and developing effective solutions.

• Adaptability: Capacity to thrive in dynamic environments with frequent changes.

• Proactiveness & Self-Motivation: Ability to take initiative, make decisions independently, and drive projects forward.

• Teamwork: Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a project team and across departments.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Lean Methods (e.g., Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement Process).

• Proficiency in German language.

• Experience with project steering and reporting in a manufacturing or automotive context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirement is broad ("Technical field"), allowing for candidates from various engineering disciplines. The experience level is not explicitly stated but implied by the "Project Manager" title and the scope of responsibilities, suggesting a need for candidates who can independently manage significant projects, likely 2-5 years of relevant experience. The emphasis on "LTS" projects means that experience in post-production support, aftermarket services, or specialized manufacturing lines would be highly advantageous.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant projects managed, detailing scope, objectives, challenges, methodologies used, and quantifiable outcomes. For LTS projects, highlight success in maintaining product support, managing inventory, or extending product lifecycle.

• Process Optimization Examples: Evidence of implementing or improving production or project management processes, demonstrating efficiency gains, cost reductions, or quality improvements.

• Budget Management Documentation: Examples of cost planning, tracking, and variance analysis from past projects.

• Technical Concept Implementation: Documentation or description of a project where technical production concepts were successfully developed and implemented.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to documenting project plans, risk assessments, stakeholder communication protocols, and post-project reviews.

• Familiarity with creating and maintaining process flows for project execution and technical implementation is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Project Manager role, especially in manufacturing and operations, a portfolio demonstrating tangible results is crucial. For "LTS" projects, this means showing an ability to manage complexity over extended periods, handle legacy systems or products, and ensure continuity of service or supply. The inclusion of Lean methods in preferred skills suggests that candidates who can demonstrate process improvement initiatives within their projects will stand out.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Project Managers with 2-5 years of experience in Romania, a competitive salary range would likely be between 45,000 RON and 75,000 RON annually (gross). This estimate considers the cost of living in Satu Mare, the automotive industry's compensation standards, and the specialized nature of LTS project management. Benefits:

• Integration program into a professional and dynamic team.

• International development opportunities inspired by the latest technology.

• Challenging projects within a work-life balance atmosphere.

• Talent-oriented organizational culture.

• Flexible working hours.

• Other standard benefits typical for full-time employment in Romania (e.g., paid time off, potential for performance bonuses). Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for Project Manager roles in Romania, adjusted for the automotive sector and the specified experience level. The provided benefits are directly from the job description, highlighting aspects attractive to operations professionals seeking growth and flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing (Tier 1 Supplier). DRÄXLMAIER Group is a leading global supplier of interior and electric mobility solutions for premium automotive brands.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Over 70,000 employees globally). This indicates a structured environment with established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for international collaboration.

Founded: 1958. A long-standing history suggests stability and deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within a project management office (PMO) or a specific engineering/operations department focused on Life Time Supply.

• Reporting is expected to a higher-level Project Manager, Program Manager, or Department Head.

• Close collaboration with cross-functional teams including engineering, production, supply chain, quality assurance, and potentially R&D. Methodology:

• Emphasis on structured project management methodologies, likely adapted from PMBOK or PRINCE2, with a focus on practical application.

• Integration of Lean manufacturing principles (Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma) into project execution and process optimization.

• Data-driven decision-making, with a focus on metrics for project steering and reporting.

Company Website: https://www.draexlmaier.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding DRÄXLMAIER's position as a major automotive supplier is key. This implies high standards for quality, efficiency, and innovation. The "family-run" aspect, combined with global reach, suggests a culture that may balance tradition with forward-thinking initiatives. The "LTS" focus is particularly relevant for automotive, where vehicles have long lifecycles and require ongoing part availability and support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Project Management. This role requires independent management of projects, but likely reports to more senior leadership for strategic direction and oversight. It's a stepping stone towards Senior Project Manager or Program Manager roles within operations.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Senior Project Manager, Program Manager, or Head of Operations/Engineering for the LTS department.

Operations Impact: The Project Manager's success directly impacts the company's ability to fulfill long-term supply obligations, maintain customer satisfaction for older vehicle models, and manage inventory efficiently. Effective project management in LTS can lead to significant cost savings and revenue generation through extended product support.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in Life Time Supply project management, becoming a subject matter expert in managing post-production lifecycles.

• Advancement: Progress to Senior Project Manager, Program Manager, or potentially lead roles within the LTS or Prototyping departments.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to gain certifications (e.g., PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt) and develop advanced skills in technical production, supply chain logistics, and international project management.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to move into roles within broader manufacturing operations, supply chain management, or product lifecycle management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "learning, growing, and further developing yourself" suggests a company that invests in its employees. For operations professionals, this means opportunities to hone specialized skills in areas like manufacturing support, supply chain resilience, and long-term product viability, which are increasingly critical in the automotive sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an on-site role within a manufacturing and engineering environment. This suggests a dynamic workspace that may include office settings, but also requires interaction with production floors and engineering labs.

Office Location(s): Satu Mare, Romania. This location is likely a significant operational hub for DRÄXLMAIER.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment where close interaction with project teams, engineers, and production staff is essential.

• Access to relevant project management tools, engineering software, and potentially manufacturing execution systems (MES).

• Opportunities for hands-on involvement in process observation and problem-solving on the production floor. Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week with an emphasis on "flexible working hours," indicating a degree of autonomy in managing one's schedule, provided project deadlines and team coordination needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "work-life balance atmosphere" alongside "challenging projects" and "flexible working hours" indicates a company that aims to provide a demanding yet supportive work environment. For an operations role, this balance is crucial for sustained performance and preventing burnout.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion about project management experience, specific LTS project examples, technical understanding, and problem-solving approach. Expect questions on managing scope, budget, and timelines.

• Technical/Team Interview: May involve team members or technical leads to assess specific skills, knowledge of manufacturing processes, and ability to collaborate within the team. Could include a case study or technical challenge.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations, strategic thinking, and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, highlight measurable results: cost savings achieved, timelines met or improved, efficiency gains (e.g., reduction in lead time, defect rates).

• Showcase LTS Specifics: If you have LTS experience, clearly articulate how you managed the unique challenges of post-production support, such as dealing with obsolescence, ensuring long-term part availability, or managing smaller batch production runs.

• Process Improvement Focus: Detail any processes you improved, the methodology used (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma), and the impact of those improvements.

• STAR Method: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral and situational questions.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to explain technical production concepts relevant to your past projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Project Simulation: Be prepared for a hypothetical project scenario where you need to outline a plan, identify risks, and propose solutions.

• Process Analysis: You might be asked to analyze a given process and suggest improvements for efficiency or cost reduction.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating project status, risks, and proposals clearly and concisely, as if to different stakeholder groups (e.g., management, technical teams).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Prototyping and LTS" implies a need to demonstrate adaptability. Candidates should be ready to discuss how they manage projects with varying levels of definition and for different stages of a product's lifecycle, from early development to end-of-life support.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with standard PM tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar. Experience with enterprise-level PM solutions is a plus.

• ERP/MRP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for inventory, production planning, and cost tracking.

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and project coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, cost tracking, and reporting.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with tools like Power BI, Tableau, or QlikView for creating dashboards and reports on project performance and operational metrics.

• Reporting Systems: Familiarity with internal company reporting structures and tools for project steering and KPI tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, understanding CRM principles for customer communication (especially for LTS clients) and basic automation tools for workflow efficiency might be beneficial.

• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems could also be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of "LTS" projects suggests that tools related to inventory management, supply chain visibility, and potentially systems for managing legacy product data would be highly relevant. An understanding of how these integrate with core project management and ERP systems is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Pragmatism, Flexibility, Enthusiasm, Openness: These are explicitly stated as desired traits, indicating a culture that values adaptable and proactive problem-solvers.

• Teamwork: A strong emphasis on collaboration and mutual support within project teams.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to ongoing process enhancement and efficiency.

• Customer Focus: Even in LTS, maintaining customer satisfaction through reliable support is paramount.

• Innovation: Encouragement to bring new ideas and approaches, particularly relevant for prototyping and optimizing existing processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expected to work closely with engineering, production, supply chain, and quality departments.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of transparent communication regarding project status, challenges, and solutions.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values are crucial for candidates to align with. Demonstrating how your personal work ethic and approach embody pragmatism, flexibility, and enthusiasm will be key during interviews.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Long-Term Projects: LTS projects often span years, requiring sustained focus, adaptability to evolving requirements, and effective long-term planning.

• Dealing with Legacy Systems/Products: Working with older technologies or products can present unique challenges in sourcing parts, finding expertise, and integrating with modern systems.

• Balancing Cost and Service Levels: Ensuring cost-effectiveness in LTS while maintaining high service levels for customers.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Coordinating efforts across multiple departments, each with potentially different priorities.

• Adapting to Change: The automotive industry is rapidly evolving; managing LTS projects amidst these changes requires agility.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Training: Opportunities to pursue certifications like PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile methodologies.

• Lean Six Sigma: Potential to undergo training and certification in Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen knowledge in specific areas of automotive manufacturing, electrical systems, or prototyping technologies.

• International Exposure: Work on projects with teams and stakeholders in different countries within the DRÄXLMAIER global network.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced professionals for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates who can articulate how they have overcome similar challenges in past roles, particularly in manufacturing or long-term support scenarios, will be well-positioned. Highlighting a proactive approach to learning and skill development will resonate with the company's values.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex LTS project you managed. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery within budget and timeline?" (Focus on demonstrating planning, control, and problem-solving).

• "How do you approach developing and implementing technical production concepts? Provide an example." (Highlight your understanding of production processes and implementation strategies).

• "Walk me through your process for cost planning and monitoring on a project. How do you handle budget deviations?" (Emphasize financial acumen and proactive risk management).

• "How do you select and adapt project management methodologies for different project types or organizational needs?" (Showcase flexibility and strategic thinking in PM). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about DRÄXLMAIER and specifically about our Life Time Supply projects?" (Research the company's automotive focus, innovation, and global presence).

• "How do you embody pragmatism, flexibility, and enthusiasm in your work?" (Provide specific examples from your experience).

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult stakeholder or a cross-functional team with conflicting priorities. How did you manage it?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and relationship-building). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, using the STAR method for each. Clearly state the project objective, your role, the actions you took, and the quantifiable results.

• LTS Emphasis: For any LTS projects, clearly articulate the unique aspects of managing post-production support, such as inventory management, obsolescence mitigation, or long-term customer commitments.

• Visuals: Use charts, graphs, or diagrams where appropriate to illustrate processes, timelines, or cost savings.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a limited timeframe, focusing on the most impactful achievements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with prototyping phases, which might involve managing uncertainty, iterative development, and fast-paced testing. This requires a different mindset than managing established production processes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Project Manager Prototyping and LTS position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the D-Career portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight project management experience, technical production understanding, cost control skills, and any experience relevant to Life Time Supply or post-production support. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects, with a focus on quantifiable results, process improvements, and any LTS or prototyping experience. Prepare to discuss these using the STAR method.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with DRÄXLMAIER Group's history, values, product portfolio, and its position in the automotive industry. Understand the significance of LTS in this sector.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions, and prepare to discuss your project management approach and technical knowledge.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.