UX_Customer Project Lead (CPL)　- Toyota -

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX_Customer Project Lead (CPL) - Toyota -

Company: Aumovio

Location: Toyota, Japan

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Category: Project Management / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: August 12, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead cross-functional R&D project teams to deliver complex automotive UX solutions, aligning with customer (JOEM) milestones and technical specifications.

• Serve as a critical intercultural bridge, facilitating seamless communication and understanding between the customer's various departments and Aumovio's internal R&D and product development teams.

• Drive product development initiatives, ensuring customer expectations and technical requirements are met through proactive management of project activities, issue resolution, and stakeholder engagement.

• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively, employing structured problem-solving methodologies to overcome technical challenges and ensure timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Customer Project Lead (CPL)" within the automotive sector, specifically focusing on UX and customer project management. The emphasis on "intercultural bridge function" and managing "JOEM (customer) Project Manager" indicates a strong need for diplomacy, clear communication, and an understanding of both internal and external organizational dynamics. The role requires a blend of technical acumen and project leadership to navigate complex automotive development cycles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead local R&D project teams, overseeing all project activities, task execution, and milestone adherence between Aumovio and the customer (JOEM), with a specific focus on the R&D location in Singapore (SGP).

• Lead and manage direct communication with the JOEM Project Manager, ensuring alignment on technical topics, project schedules, and critical deliverables.

• Orchestrate the local R&D team and product development teams (including SGP) to meet and exceed customer expectations and requirements, acting as an essential intercultural liaison.

• Translate customer expectations and requirements accurately into actionable insights for Aumovio's organization, ensuring a clear understanding of user needs and market demands.

• Foster a deep understanding of both Aumovio and the customer's organizational structures to facilitate effective discussions with not only the customer's design department but also their HW/SW expert teams, testing teams, and product planning departments.

• Establish and nurture robust relationships with key personnel at the customer's organization and within the product development team (SGP), including Project Managers (PM), Technical Project Leads (TPL), and System Project Managers (SPM).

• Proactively identify and escalate critical project issues and risks to the Customer Coordination Executive (CCE) and management in a timely and effective manner to ensure swift resolution.

• Arrange and facilitate project management meetings with the customer, ensuring thorough preparation and follow-up with local and product development teams before and after each meeting, covering critical topics, milestones, reviews, specification releases, and change management (DR/EC/VC).

• Clarify and meticulously follow up on technical issues, questions, and proposals to ensure satisfaction for both the customer and Continental.

• Facilitate the process for Design Study Requests (DSR) and Design To Cost (DTC) topics from a technical perspective, collaborating closely with PM, Sales, and R&D teams.

• Ensure the safe delivery of samples by coordinating with Sales and PM, and aligning on parts maturity levels both internally and externally.

• Share valuable know-how and lessons learned from customer interactions and past projects to proactively prevent recurring failures and improve future project outcomes.

• Ensure that key topics, including escalations and deviations, are thoroughly aligned and discussed internally before presenting them to the customer.

• Support the seamless exchange of data between Continental and the customer in both directions.

• Assist in QIA (Question and Answer) discussions with the customer to clarify and finalize ambiguous requirements.

• Participate in customer management meetings to report project status and key updates to customer leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on project leadership, stakeholder management, and technical communication within the automotive OEM context. The role requires a proactive approach to issue resolution, risk management, and ensuring alignment across multiple internal and external teams, including those in different cultural and geographical locations (e.g., SGP). The inclusion of specific processes like DSR, DTC, and change management (DR/EC/VC) indicates a need for familiarity with standard automotive development workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor or Master's degree in Engineering (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related field). Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience within the Japanese OEM Automotive Industry.

• Proven experience in managing complex R&D projects, ideally with a focus on UX, interior devices, or ECUs.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, including those in remote or international locations. Required Skills:

• Japanese Language Communication: Native-level proficiency (N1 equivalent) for effective communication with Japanese OEM customers.

• English Communication and Presentation: Fluent in English, with strong presentation skills to effectively convey technical information and project status to diverse audiences.

• Technical Problem Solving: Demonstrated capability to analyze technical problems in a structured manner and apply problem-solving methods such as FTA (Fault Tree Analysis), FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), 5Why, and DRBFM (Design Review Based on Failure Mode).

• Project Management Fundamentals: Solid understanding of project management principles, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closing, with experience in milestone management and critical path analysis.

• Customer Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong, professional relationships with key customer stakeholders.

• Intercultural Communication: Experience and aptitude for bridging cultural and communication gaps between different teams and organizations.

• Pro-active and Timely Response: A mindset focused on proactive engagement and prompt, effective responses to inquiries and issues.

Preferred Skills:

• Interior Devices/ECU Experience: Specific hands-on experience with interior electronic control units or related interior automotive systems.

• Requirement Tools Know-How: Familiarity with requirement management tools, particularly those relevant to automotive applications (e.g., Doors).

• Key Discipline Experience: Exposure or experience in core engineering disciplines such as Software (SW), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Electrical Engineering, or Systems Engineering.

• Business Travel Capability: Willingness and ability to undertake business trips to overseas R&D and production locations as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Must have" (#), "advantage" (+), and "nice to have" (++) markers in the original listing are crucial for candidates to understand prioritization. For this role, Japanese language proficiency at N1 is a non-negotiable requirement. Experience with specific automotive problem-solving tools (FTA, FMEA, 5Why, DRBFM) is critical for technical credibility. The "Doors" requirement is a specific tool that candidates should highlight if they have experience with.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Showcase successful automotive R&D projects led, detailing scope, team size, customer engagement, challenges overcome, and achieved outcomes.

• Problem-Solving Demonstrations: Provide examples of how structured problem-solving methodologies (FTA, FMEA, 5Why, DRBFM) were applied to resolve complex technical issues, illustrating the process and impact.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Present instances where you effectively managed communication and collaboration between different internal departments and external customer teams, highlighting your "intercultural bridge" capabilities.

• Requirements Management Documentation: Include examples of how customer requirements were captured, clarified, and translated into actionable development tasks, demonstrating proficiency with tools like Doors if applicable.

• Milestone and Deliverable Tracking: Show evidence of managing project timelines, tracking key milestones, and ensuring timely delivery of samples and final products.

Process Documentation:

• Project Planning & Execution: Demonstrate understanding of automotive project lifecycle stages, from initial customer engagement and requirements gathering through development, testing, and delivery.

• Issue Resolution Workflows: Detail your approach to identifying, escalating, and resolving technical issues, including communication protocols with customer and internal teams.

• Change Management Processes: Illustrate your experience with managing changes to specifications, designs, or schedules (e.g., DR/EC/VC), ensuring proper documentation and stakeholder alignment.

• Data Exchange and Reporting: Provide examples of how you managed and facilitated data exchange between organizations and presented project status reports to management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on project leadership and technical problem-solving within automotive development, a portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to managing complex projects and resolving technical challenges is essential. The ability to showcase intercultural communication and bridge-building through concrete examples will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: ¥9,000,000 - ¥15,000,000 JPY per annum.

• Explanation: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Project Leads with 5-10 years of experience in the automotive sector in Japan, considering the specialized nature of UX and customer-facing roles. The range accounts for variations in specific experience, technical expertise (e.g., ECU, Doors), and the strategic importance of the role. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans.

• Retirement Plan: Pension and retirement savings schemes.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Business Travel Support: Coverage for travel expenses related to domestic and international business trips.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and attending industry conferences to enhance skills in areas like project management, automotive technology, and UX.

• Employee Assistance Program: Support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Potential for Performance Bonuses: Based on individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, standard working hours are typically 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM JST, Monday to Friday, with a one-hour break.

• Flexibility may be required to accommodate customer meeting schedules and project deadlines, including potential overtime or adjustments to work hours when necessary, especially when coordinating with international teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on the role's seniority (5-10 years), industry (Automotive OEM in Japan), and responsibility level (Project Lead). Local market research for similar roles in Toyota, Japan, would typically place this within the provided range. Benefits are standard for a multinational company operating in Japan with a focus on employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology and Electronics, with a strong focus on mobility solutions. AUMOVIO SE operates within the broader ecosystem of Continental AG, a leading global automotive supplier.

Company Size: Approximately 87,000 employees worldwide, with 196 million Euros in sales for the 2024 fiscal year. This indicates a large, established, and globally recognized organization.

Founded: AUMOVIO SE was spun off and established in 2025 from Continental AG. This suggests a dynamic environment that blends the stability of a large corporation with the agility of a newer, specialized entity.

Team Structure:

• Project Team: The role involves leading a local R&D project team and collaborating with product development teams, likely including members from Singapore (SGP) and potentially other global locations.

• Reporting: The role reports to a Customer Coordination Executive (CCE) or management, indicating a clear escalation path and a focus on customer satisfaction and strategic alignment.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: High degree of collaboration is expected with internal departments such as Sales, PM, R&D, HW/SW expert teams, testing teams, and Product Planning, as well as external customer departments.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on analyzing technical problems systematically using methodologies like FTA, FMEA, 5Why, and DRBFM.

• Customer-Centric Development: Focus on understanding and meeting customer expectations and requirements through direct communication and liaison roles.

• Process Optimization: Continuous sharing of "Know How/Lessons Learned" to refine development processes and prevent reoccurrence of failures.

• Agile Project Management: Implied through the need to manage milestones, adapt to customer needs, and facilitate regular meetings and communication.

Company Website: https://www.continental.com/en-global/ (AUMOVIO SE is a Continental company)

📝 Enhancement Note: As AUMOVIO SE is a relatively new entity spun off from Continental AG, its culture likely blends Continental's established engineering excellence and global reach with a more focused, potentially agile approach to innovation in specific areas like UX and electronics. The emphasis on "Own What's Next" suggests a forward-thinking and proactive culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level "Customer Project Lead (CPL)" with significant responsibility. It requires a blend of technical expertise, project leadership, and strong interpersonal skills. It's a leadership role that acts as a crucial interface between the company and a major client.

Reporting Structure: The CPL will report to a Customer Coordination Executive (CCE) or other management within AUMOVIO or Continental. This structure suggests a clear line of accountability and mentorship opportunities from experienced leaders in customer management and project execution.

Operations Impact: The CPL's impact is directly tied to the successful delivery of UX solutions to a key automotive customer (JOEM). This includes influencing product development direction, ensuring customer satisfaction, and contributing to revenue through successful project completion and relationship building. Effective management of this role can lead to repeat business and stronger client partnerships.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles such as Senior Project Manager, Program Manager, or Head of Customer Projects, managing larger programs or multiple customer accounts.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in automotive UX, interior electronics, or specific technologies through exposure to various projects and customer demands.

• International Mobility: Given the global nature of Continental and AUMOVIO, there may be opportunities for international assignments or roles within different regional operations.

• Strategic Account Management: Transition into roles focused on strategic account development and long-term customer relationship management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as "Leading Self" (リーダーシップレベル: Leading Self), indicating a high degree of autonomy and self-direction. Growth opportunities would likely stem from successfully managing complex projects and building strong customer relationships, leading to increased responsibility and potentially leadership roles within the organization or its parent company, Continental.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an "Onsite Job" (勤務に<bos>れる柔軟性: Onsite Job), indicating that the primary work location will be at the company's office in Toyota, Japan.

Office Location(s): Toyota, Japan. This location is significant as it is a major hub for the automotive industry, particularly for Toyota Motor Corporation, suggesting proximity and direct engagement opportunities with key industry players.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires extensive collaboration with internal teams (R&D, Sales, PM) and external customer teams. Expect a dynamic workspace that facilitates frequent meetings, discussions, and brainstorming sessions.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office productivity tools, project management software, communication platforms, and potentially specialized automotive engineering and design software.

• Intercultural Interaction: The workspace will likely involve interactions with colleagues and customers from diverse cultural backgrounds, requiring adaptability and effective cross-cultural communication.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time (フルタイム).

• Standard working hours apply, but flexibility may be needed to accommodate customer schedules and project deadlines, especially when coordinating with international teams. This implies a potential need to adjust working hours for meetings or urgent tasks outside of standard Japanese business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Onsite Job" designation is clear. The location in Toyota, Japan, is highly strategic for anyone aiming to be deeply involved in the Japanese automotive OEM ecosystem. The blend of internal and external collaboration suggests a dynamic and interactive work setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess alignment with core requirements (experience, language skills, education).

• Technical & Project Management Assessment: Interviews focusing on your experience in automotive R&D, project leadership, and technical problem-solving methodologies (FTA, FMEA, 5Why, DRBFM). Be prepared to discuss specific project examples.

• Customer & Intercultural Skills Evaluation: Interviews designed to assess your ability to manage customer relationships, communicate effectively across cultures, and act as a liaison. Case studies or situational questions may be used.

• Team & Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions to evaluate your fit with AUMOVIO's and Continental's culture, teamwork style, and proactive approach.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior management to discuss strategic alignment and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Projects: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role, the methodologies used (especially problem-solving and project management), key challenges, your contributions, and the quantifiable results or outcomes.

• Highlight "Intercultural Bridge" Examples: Showcase instances where you successfully navigated cultural differences or communication barriers to achieve project goals.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving Process: For technical challenges, walk through your analytical process step-by-step, explaining how you applied tools like FMEA or 5Why to reach a solution.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work – e.g., % reduction in issues, on-time delivery rate, customer satisfaction improvements.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to automotive UX, interior devices, ECUs, and working with Japanese OEMs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical project challenges (e.g., a critical delay, a major technical issue, a customer dispute) and ask how you would handle them. Focus on your structured problem-solving and communication strategies.

• Technical Deep Dive: Be ready to discuss the nuances of automotive development processes, requirements management (especially Doors), and specific technical areas mentioned in the qualifications.

• Cultural Awareness: Prepare to discuss how you adapt your communication and management style when working with teams from different cultural backgrounds.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "intercultural bridge function," specific problem-solving tools, and experience with Japanese OEMs suggests that interviewers will be looking for candidates who can not only manage projects but also navigate complex stakeholder dynamics and technical intricacies within a specific industry context. A well-curated portfolio is crucial for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms for task tracking, milestone management, and team collaboration.

• Requirement Management Tools: Proficiency with tools such as DOORS is explicitly mentioned as an advantage/requirement, critical for capturing and managing customer specifications in automotive development.

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM principles for managing customer relationships and communication logs, though specific systems may vary.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficient use of tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for real-time communication, virtual meetings, and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data, identify trends, and generate reports using standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Excel) or specialized analytical tools.

• Presentation Software: Expertise in creating clear, concise, and impactful presentations using tools like Microsoft PowerPoint for reporting project status and technical findings to customers and management.

CRM & Automation:

• Workflow Automation Concepts: While not explicitly stated, an understanding of how to streamline processes and automate repetitive tasks within project management or communication workflows would be beneficial.

• System Integration Awareness: Basic understanding of how different systems (e.g., R&D tools, CRM, project management) might interact or require data exchange.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "Doors" is a key indicator of the expected technical environment for requirements management in automotive projects. While specific project management software isn't detailed, familiarity with industry-standard tools for tracking, communication, and reporting is assumed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs and expectations, acting as a dedicated representative of AUMOVIO.

• Excellence in Execution: Driving for high-quality results, adhering to project milestones, and maintaining technical rigor in all aspects of project delivery.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams (internal and external, intercultural) work together effectively towards common goals.

• Problem-Solving Mindset: Proactively identifying challenges and applying structured analytical methods to find effective solutions.

• Proactiveness and Agility: Demonstrating initiative, responding promptly to issues, and adapting to changing project requirements or customer feedback.

• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to learning from past projects, sharing knowledge, and refining processes to enhance future performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively facilitating communication and synergy between different departments (R&D, Sales, PM, HW/SW, Testing, Product Planning) to ensure holistic project success.

• Open Communication Channels: Encouraging transparent and honest dialogue with both internal teams and external customers, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and aligned.

• Constructive Feedback Loop: Creating an environment where feedback is welcomed, discussed, and utilized for process improvement and enhanced project outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing Culture: Actively participating in and promoting the sharing of technical insights, lessons learned, and best practices across teams and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture, as implied by its description and the role's requirements, likely values a blend of Continental's established engineering discipline with a customer-centric and proactive approach. The emphasis on "Own What's Next" suggests a culture that embraces innovation and empowers individuals to take ownership.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Intercultural Communication Barriers: Navigating potential misunderstandings or different communication styles between Japanese and potentially other international teams (e.g., Singapore).

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Balancing the diverse expectations and priorities of various internal departments and external customer teams, including different levels of management.

• Technical Complexity: Managing intricate automotive UX development projects with evolving technical requirements and stringent quality standards.

• Global Coordination: Ensuring seamless alignment and timely execution across geographically dispersed teams and customer locations.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in automotive technology, UX design, and software development to meet future customer demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to gain certifications or training in advanced project management methodologies tailored for the automotive sector.

• Specialized Automotive Technology: Deepen expertise in areas like automotive UX, interior electronics, ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems), or software-defined vehicles (SDV).

• Cross-Cultural Leadership: Develop enhanced skills in leading and managing multicultural teams through practical experience and targeted training.

• Customer Account Growth: Potential to expand scope and responsibility by growing key customer accounts and contributing to strategic business development.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in automotive industry conferences, trade shows, and forums to stay abreast of trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly related to the role's core functions: managing complex, cross-cultural, and technically demanding projects within the fast-paced automotive industry. Growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing leadership, technical, and strategic capabilities relevant to these challenges.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to act as an 'intercultural bridge' between two organizations or teams with different communication styles. What was the situation, what steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your communication strategy and problem-solving approach.)

• "Walk me through a complex automotive R&D project you led. What were the key milestones, how did you manage risks, and what was your most significant contribution to its success?" (Prepare a detailed case study highlighting project management, technical problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement.)

• "Imagine a critical technical issue arises with a customer prototype just before a major review. How would you approach diagnosing the problem, communicating with the customer, and coordinating internal resources to resolve it?" (Demonstrate your structured problem-solving (FTA, FMEA, 5Why) and crisis management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AUMOVIO and Continental, and why are you interested in working with a company focused on the future of mobility?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent developments.)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with demanding automotive OEM customers?" (Highlight your customer service philosophy, communication skills, and understanding of the automotive industry's client dynamics.)

• "Describe your experience working with Japanese companies or teams. What cultural considerations do you prioritize when collaborating?" (Showcase your cultural awareness and adaptability.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• "STAR" Method: Structure your portfolio examples using the Situation, Task, Action, Result framework for clarity and impact.

• Visual Aids: If possible, use flowcharts for processes, diagrams for technical issues, and clear charts for metrics to make your presentations more engaging and understandable.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the "so what?" for each project – how did your actions lead to positive outcomes for the project, the customer, or the company? Quantify results whenever possible.

• Concise Storytelling: Be prepared to present your key projects within a limited timeframe, focusing on the most relevant aspects for this CPL role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the "intercultural bridge" aspect, the specific technical problem-solving tools required, and experience within the Japanese automotive OEM sector. Candidates should be ready to provide concrete examples that demonstrate these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 5-10 years of experience in the Japanese automotive OEM industry, your engineering degree, and specific experience with project leadership, customer engagement, and technical problem-solving tools (FTA, FMEA, 5Why, DRBFM). Explicitly mention your Japanese language proficiency (N1) and English communication skills.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key project examples that demonstrate your ability to lead R&D projects, act as an "intercultural bridge," and solve complex technical issues. Focus on quantifiable results and your specific contributions.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio examples, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and the impact of your work. Be ready to articulate your problem-solving methodologies and customer management strategies.

• Research AUMOVIO & Continental: Understand the company's mission, values, and recent activities in the automotive technology space. Familiarize yourself with Continental's role in the industry and AUMOVIO's specific focus on UX and electronics.

⚠️ 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.