UX Design Operations Project Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Design Operations Project Manager

Company: Stellantis

Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX Design Operations / Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-05-13T14:22:17

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic planning and execution for User Experience (UX) design programs within the Product Design Office (PDO).

• Bridge the gap between UX design concepts and tangible execution by managing the development of high-quality physical and digital prototypes.

• Facilitate seamless cross-functional collaboration between Design, Engineering, Software, and Fabrication teams to ensure cohesive product experiences.

• Optimize UX workflows and prototyping processes to enhance efficiency, scalability, and repeatability across vehicle programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at the critical intersection of design strategy and operational execution, focusing on bringing complex UX visions to life through tangible prototypes. It requires a blend of project management discipline and a deep understanding of the design and development lifecycle within the automotive industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate long-range enterprise plans (LRP) into actionable, team-level roadmaps and integrated program timelines.

• Develop and maintain macro-level project plans, meticulously defining milestones, deliverables, and resource allocations across multiple vehicle programs.

• Coordinate the planning and development of UX prototypes, encompassing both physical (e.g., bench-top models, BUCs) and digital (e.g., HMI/UI experiences) domains.

• Act as the central liaison, ensuring alignment and clear communication among Design, Engineering, Software development, and Fabrication teams.

• Identify and implement process improvements within UX workflows, prototyping methodologies, and cross-functional alignment strategies to drive continuous enhancement.

• Manage stakeholder expectations, reporting, and documentation, ensuring transparency on priorities, risks, and program status.

• Support Design Leadership by contributing to strategic planning and ensuring efficient program execution from concept through validation.

• Enable the integration of software (HMI/UI) and hardware components into unified, clinic-able user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on end-to-end program management, from strategic planning to tactical execution of complex prototyping efforts. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks, optimizing processes, and fostering robust cross-functional communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in program management, product development, design operations, or analogous roles.

• Demonstrated success in leading complex, cross-functional projects within fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Required Skills:

• Program & Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, from initiation to closure, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.

• UX Design Operations: Deep understanding of UX design processes, workflows, and the operational challenges of bringing digital and physical prototypes to life.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Exceptional ability to coordinate and align diverse teams, including Design, Engineering, Software Development, and Fabrication, fostering a cohesive working environment.

• Stakeholder Management: Skill in identifying, engaging, and managing expectations of various stakeholders, including senior leadership, through clear communication and reporting.

• Process Optimization: Aptitude for analyzing existing workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing sustainable process improvements to enhance operational effectiveness.

• Roadmap Development & Planning: Proficiency in translating high-level strategic goals into detailed, actionable project plans and timelines.

• Risk Management: Ability to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks to ensure successful program outcomes.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to craft compelling executive-level narratives and present complex information clearly.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with physical prototyping methodologies (e.g., BUCs, model builds) and digital prototyping tools.

• Knowledge of HMI (Human-Machine Interface) and UI (User Interface) development cycles.

• Experience with Agile or Lean project management methodologies.

• Understanding of automotive product development lifecycles.

• Proficiency in design software or collaboration platforms relevant to UX design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strategic project management capabilities and a practical understanding of design and prototyping processes, particularly within a complex product development context like automotive. The preference for automotive or industrial design experience suggests a need for industry-specific knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience in managing complex, cross-functional projects from inception to completion, showcasing end-to-end lifecycle management.

• Case studies detailing successful process optimization initiatives, highlighting the methodology used and the quantifiable improvements achieved (e.g., reduced cycle time, increased efficiency).

• Examples of integrated program timelines and roadmaps developed for complex product development cycles, illustrating strategic planning and execution capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Showcase examples of documented UX workflows, including analysis of current state, proposed improvements, and implementation plans for enhanced efficiency and clarity.

• Prototyping Process Management: Provide evidence of managing the end-to-end process for physical and digital prototype development, detailing resource allocation, scheduling, and quality assurance measures.

• Cross-functional Alignment Protocols: Illustrate how you've established and maintained clear communication channels and collaboration protocols between Design, Engineering, Software, and Fabrication teams.

• Metrics and Reporting Standards: Present examples of how key performance indicators (KPIs) for design operations and project execution were defined, tracked, and reported to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to provide tangible evidence of their project management and process optimization skills through a portfolio. This should focus on demonstrating their ability to manage complex operational initiatives, particularly those involving physical and digital product development and cross-functional team coordination.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a UX Design Operations Project Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the automotive sector in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the estimated annual salary range is $100,000 - $145,000. This estimate considers the specialized nature of UX Design Operations, the project management responsibilities, and the cost of living in the Detroit metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions (e.g., 401k).

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education relevant to design operations and project management.

• Access to employee vehicle discount programs and potentially car leasing options.

• Employee assistance programs (EAP) for mental wellness and support.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• While an on-site role, Stellantis may offer some flexibility for core hours, allowing for focused work and collaborative sessions. However, the nature of project management often requires dedication beyond standard hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and industry salary surveys for similar roles in the Detroit metropolitan area. Benefits are common for large automotive manufacturers and are typical for roles requiring extensive project management and operational oversight.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing. Stellantis is a global automotive group formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group. The company is a major player in designing, manufacturing, and selling a wide range of vehicles.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This indicates a structured corporate environment with established processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for career progression within a global organization.

Founded: Stellantis was officially formed in January 2021, but its legacy companies (FCA and PSA) have decades of history in the automotive industry. This blend of new corporate structure with deep historical roots suggests a culture that values both innovation and proven methodologies.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design Operations team likely operates within the broader Product Design Office (PDO), collaborating closely with UX Designers, UI Designers, HMI Engineers, Software Developers, and Fabrication Specialists.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a Design Operations Manager or Director, with this Project Manager overseeing specific vehicle programs or initiatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using user research, analytics, and performance metrics to inform design and operational decisions.

• Agile & Iterative Development: Likely adoption of iterative processes for prototyping and design validation, allowing for flexibility and continuous improvement.

• Process-Centric Operations: Focus on defining, documenting, and refining operational workflows to ensure consistency, efficiency, and scalability across projects.

• User-Centric Design Integration: Ensuring that user needs and experience insights are effectively integrated into the product development and prototyping lifecycle.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating within a large, established automotive manufacturer like Stellantis means this role will navigate a complex organizational structure. The culture is likely a blend of corporate rigor and a drive for innovation in vehicle design and user experience, with a strong emphasis on operational excellence and cross-functional teamwork.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the Design Operations or Project Management domain. It requires a solid foundation in program management principles and a specialized understanding of UX design and prototyping processes, particularly within the automotive context. The scope involves managing significant programs and influencing cross-functional teams.

Reporting Structure: The UX Design Operations Project Manager will typically report to a Design Operations Manager, Director of UX Design, or a senior program lead within the Product Design Office. They will work closely with various design managers and engineering leads.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the speed and quality of UX design delivery. By effectively managing prototypes and cross-functional alignment, the Project Manager ensures that user-centric designs are translated into tangible, testable experiences that inform critical product decisions, ultimately influencing vehicle development timelines and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in automotive UX, advanced prototyping techniques, or specific design operations functions.

• Leadership: Advance into management roles, leading larger teams or more complex strategic initiatives within Design Operations or broader Product Development.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into roles within Product Management, Engineering Program Management, or strategic planning within Stellantis.

• Continuous Learning: Access to internal training programs, workshops, and potential support for external certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or UX methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a large automotive enterprise, focusing on both deepening specialized operational expertise and expanding into broader leadership or strategic roles. The emphasis on cross-functional impact provides significant visibility and learning opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the Project Manager to work from Stellantis's Auburn Hills, Michigan facility. This environment is typical for a large automotive R&D and design hub, featuring office spaces, collaboration areas, and potentially access to design studios and fabrication labs.

Office Location(s): The primary location is 1000 Chrysler Drive, Auburn Hills, Michigan, 48326. This facility is a major center for Stellantis's product development and design operations in North America.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace will likely be designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, project spaces, and open areas to facilitate interaction with designers, engineers, and fabrication teams.

• Tool and Technology Access: Expect access to standard office productivity tools, project management software, and potentially specialized design and simulation software relevant to UX prototyping and vehicle development.

• Team Interaction: The on-site nature allows for direct, in-person communication and relationship building with colleagues across different departments, crucial for effective project coordination and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the understanding that project demands may necessitate occasional extended hours, particularly during critical development phases or before key milestones and reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving physical prototyping coordination and close collaboration with engineering and fabrication teams. The Auburn Hills location places the role at the heart of Stellantis's North American design and engineering operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your project management experience, understanding of UX design operations, and ability to handle cross-functional coordination. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based inquiries.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential peers, design managers, and engineering leads to evaluate your collaboration style, communication skills, and technical understanding. This may include a case study presentation.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through selected projects from your portfolio, demonstrating your impact, process, and problem-solving approach.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to assess strategic alignment and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 impactful projects that best showcase your experience in program management, design operations, and cross-functional leadership within product development.

• Focus on Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and responsibilities, the methodologies (planning, coordination, optimization) you employed, the challenges faced, and the solutions implemented.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present quantifiable results. For example, "Reduced prototype iteration time by 15%," or "Successfully coordinated the delivery of 5 complex HMI prototypes on schedule."

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you facilitated communication and collaboration between diverse teams (Design, Engineering, Fabrication).

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Detail specific challenges encountered and how you proactively addressed them with innovative operational solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: Be prepared to present a detailed case study of a complex project you managed. Focus on your strategic approach, operational execution, stakeholder management, and lessons learned.

• Process Improvement Scenario: You might be asked to outline how you would improve a hypothetical UX design operations workflow or address a common challenge in prototype development. Think about defining the problem, analyzing root causes, proposing solutions, and measuring success.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Practice articulating how you would align conflicting priorities between different departments (e.g., design aesthetic versus engineering feasibility).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical project management skills and the ability to navigate a complex, cross-functional automotive R&D environment. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates practical application of UX Design Operations principles is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms for task management, timeline tracking, and resource allocation.

• Collaboration Suites: Experience with Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Planner) or Google Workspace for communication, document sharing, and team coordination.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with the output and integration points of tools used in UX/UI design and digital prototyping (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, CATIA, Unreal Engine for HMI). Understanding how these tools interface with physical builds is key.

• Documentation & Wiki Tools: Tools like Confluence or internal knowledge management systems for process documentation and information sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating or interpreting project status reports and dashboards using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or integrated reporting features within project management software.

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in analyzing project data (e.g., timelines, resource utilization, budget adherence) to identify trends and inform process improvements.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design feedback and prototype validation integrate into product development pipelines might involve familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems or similar enterprise software.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how to streamline repetitive tasks and processes within project management and design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools crucial for project planning, cross-functional communication, and managing the lifecycle of design and prototyping efforts. A candidate's ability to understand and integrate with the tools used by design and engineering teams will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality prototypes and programs on time and to specification, ensuring the tangible realization of design intent.

• Collaborative Spirit: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect across diverse disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Process Discipline: Adherence to and continuous improvement of defined workflows and operational standards to ensure consistency, efficiency, and scalability.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance prototyping capabilities and adapt to evolving design and engineering challenges.

• User Advocacy: Maintaining a focus on the end-user experience, ensuring that operational processes ultimately support the creation of intuitive and effective human-machine interfaces.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking out and engaging with stakeholders from Design, Engineering, Software, and Fabrication to ensure alignment and address potential issues early.

• Transparent Communication: Maintaining open, honest, and frequent communication channels, providing clear updates on project status, risks, and decisions.

• Feedback Integration: Fostering a culture where feedback from all cross-functional partners is welcomed, discussed, and integrated into project plans and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches across teams to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely rewards individuals who are highly organized, collaborative, and possess a strong drive for operational excellence, all while keeping the end-user experience at the forefront. This role is pivotal in translating creative visions into reality through structured processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Managing diverse priorities and expectations among Design, Engineering, Software, and Fabrication teams, each with their own objectives and constraints.

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: Keeping pace with fast-moving design changes and engineering requirements while ensuring timely and accurate prototype development.

• Bridging Physical and Digital Gaps: Ensuring seamless integration and consistency between physical prototypes (e.g., vehicle interiors) and digital interfaces (e.g., HMI screens).

• Resource Allocation & Prioritization: Effectively allocating limited resources (time, budget, personnel) across multiple competing vehicle programs and prototype requests.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to gain PMP certification or other advanced project management credentials.

• UX Design Lifecycle Mastery: Deepen understanding of the entire UX design and product development lifecycle within the automotive industry.

• Prototyping Technologies: Exposure to cutting-edge physical and digital prototyping technologies and fabrication methods.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into team leadership roles, managing larger project portfolios or operational teams.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of engineering, software development, and industrial design processes within Stellantis.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges due to the complexity of automotive product development, but these challenges also translate into substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a leading global company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a high-level strategic goal into an actionable project roadmap. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on LRP to roadmap translation, planning skills)

• "How do you ensure effective communication and alignment between disparate teams like Design, Engineering, and Fabrication? Provide an example." (Focus on cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder management)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the automotive industry and Stellantis specifically?" (Research company values, recent news, and product lines)

• "How would you approach optimizing a workflow for UX prototyping to improve efficiency and reduce lead times?" (Demonstrate process improvement thinking, operational rigor)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly define the problem, your specific role, the actions you took, and the measurable results.

• Emphasize Process: Detail the planning, coordination, and optimization steps you took. Highlight how you managed timelines, resources, and cross-functional dependencies.

• Visual Aids: Use slides with clear visuals, concise text, and relevant data points. If possible, show examples of timelines, process diagrams, or dashboards you created.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the value your contributions brought to the project and the organization, whether it was improved efficiency, faster delivery, or higher quality prototypes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate strong organizational skills, strategic thinking, excellent communication, and a practical understanding of how to operationalize design processes within a large, complex organization like Stellantis.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Stellantis careers portal via the provided link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific achievements in program management, UX design operations, cross-functional leadership, and process optimization. Use keywords from the job description, such as "UX Design Operations," "Program Management," "Prototyping," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best showcase your capabilities. Focus on projects involving complex product development, cross-functional coordination, and demonstrable process improvements. Be ready to present these clearly and concisely.

• Research Stellantis: Familiarize yourself with Stellantis's brand portfolio, recent news, and its strategic direction in vehicle design and user experience. Understand their commitment to innovation and operational excellence.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common project management and behavioral questions, focusing on your experience with the responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description. Practice articulating your portfolio projects and process improvement strategies.

⚠️ 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.