Product Development Manager for APQP Automotive at Dawning Truth

About the position

*** Product Development Manager for APQP Automotive ***

Top Automotive Tier 1 Manufacturing firm seeks Product Development Manager for APQP Automotive.

To lead the design and development of steel-based automotive components using the APQP process. Ensure successful industrialisation in line with OEM specifications and automotive quality standards..

Non-Negotiables (We will check):

• BEE: Open to all

• 5 years Leading R&D product development in the automotive Tier 1 sector

• 2 years Managing a team of engineers in a high-pressure Tier 1 manufacturing environment
• 5 years APQP and PPAP compliance for OEM customers (Toyota/Ford preferred)
• 3 years Experience with mechanical component engineering involving fatigue and mechanical design validation
• Self-driven, confident, assertive communicator
• High ownership mindset, not excuse-driven, goal-oriented leader

What the person must be able to do:

This role is in the Automotive Tier 1 Manufacturing sector. All duties would take place in this context.

• Lead the full design and development lifecycle of safety-critical mechanical components
• Manage cross-functional engineering teams to achieve APQP milestones
• Interface directly with OEM engineering teams for design sign-off and PPAP approval
• Interpret fatigue, stress, and performance requirements into manufacturable designs
• Ensure product compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, VDA 6, and Ford Q1 quality standards

Key Job Deliverables:

• To deliver OEM-ready product designs that meet all performance and quality benchmarks
• To lead the execution of APQP and PPAP deliverables across design, validation, and launch phases
• To ensure the development team hits project timelines while maintaining compliance with engineering and customer standards

Qualifications & Background work experience:

• Degree or Diploma in Mechanical or Metallurgical Engineering

• Led development of mechanical components for OEM approval in a Tier 1 context

• Managed engineering teams to deliver under APQP pressure
• Delivered PPAPs to Toyota and Ford under eAPQP or PA processes
• Designed or validated fatigue-sensitive components with FEA, DFMEA, or CAE methods
• Advantageous: Exposure to SolidWorks, CATIA, FEA tools like ANSYS or fatigue modeling systems

Personality Summary:

• High Driver - Ambitious, Results Orientated Go-getter. Self-Starter. Makes things happen.
• Moderate Analytical - Strong with analysis, metrics, data and fact based decision making.
• Moderate Administrative - Good with procedures, processes and best practices.

Benefits of this Role:

• Independent work culture
• Industry leader
• You can make your mark here

Reports to: Product Development Director
Location: Springs. Ekurhuleni

Salary: Market Related. In the Range of R850K to [URL Removed] 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