Operations Project Manager

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking a Operations Project Manager for the R&D Strategy Team.

We are a rapidly growing automotive R&D organization with engineering and technical teams based in Michigan, California, and Georgia. As we prepare for continued growth, we are undertaking a deliberate transformation of how R&D operates — modernizing processes, tools, governance, and communication while preserving the agility that made us successful.

The Operations Project Manager will be a key member of the R&D Strategy team and act as a hands‑on driver of operational excellence across the R&D organization. This individual will lead cross‑functional projects, design and implement scalable processes, deploy modern business tools, and administer KPI and reporting frameworks. The role requires someone comfortable operating in low‑structure environments, influencing without authority, and translating strategy into practical execution. This is a builder role for someone who enjoys defining “how things should work” and then making it real.

What You Will Do

Project & Program Management

• Plan, lead, and deliver cross‑functional R&D and operations projects on time, within scope, and within budget
• Define project goals, scope, deliverables, dependencies, and success criteria
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, risks, and milestones
• Serve as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders
• Provide regular status reports and executive‑level summaries
• Proactively manage risks, issues, and change requests

Process Improvement & Organizational Effectiveness

• Review existing ways of working across R&D and operations
• Document current‑state processes and pain points
• Analyze gaps, inefficiencies, and scalability risks
• Design future‑state (target) processes aligned with best practices
• Create clear documentation, procedures, and standard work instructions
• Drive action plans and follow‑through to close process gaps
• Support adoption and change management across teams

Systems & Software Deployment

• Support deployment and optimization of: Project Management tools, Work OS software, Knowledge Management systems
• Develop templates, workflows, and best‑practice usage standards
• Train users and support adoption across locations

KPI Management & Executive Reporting

• Define, track, and maintain operational and project KPIs
• Build dashboards and reports for R&D leadership using PowerBI or Tableau
• Support executive reviews and management decision‑making

Workshop & Facilitation Leadership

• Independently plan and facilitate workshops (e.g., process improvement, problem‑solving, alignment sessions)
• Engage technical and non‑technical stakeholders

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering, procurement, facilities, and other departments
• Enable clearer communication, handoffs, and decision‑making across functions

What You Will Bring to the Role

• Educational Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, STEM discipline, or equivalent experience

• Related Industry Experience Requirements:
• 5 years of relevant experience (10 years strongly preferred)

• Required Skills and Knowledge:
• Demonstrated experience leading projects in ambiguous environments, designing and implementing processes, and supporting organizational growth and transformation
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong facilitation and workshop leadership capability
• Influential communicator able to motivate and align diverse teams
• Highly adaptable and comfortable with change
• Self‑directed, proactive, and execution‑focused
• Organized, analytical, and detail‑oriented without losing strategic perspective

Additional Requirements:

• Software & Tools
• Microsoft 365 (advanced Excel and PowerPoint required)
• Jira (administration or power‑user experience preferred)
• Notion (administration experience preferred)
• PowerBI or Tableau
• SAP (exposure preferred)

WHAT HYUNDAI CAN OFFER YOU

• Zero-dollar Employee Premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for You and Your Family
• 100% Employer-paid Disability and Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off Including Vacation, Sick, and Abundant Holidays
• Competitive Salaries
• A Global Environment that Fosters Diversity
• Retirement Savings and Planning Benefits
• Access to Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Flexible Work Hours

OTHER DETAILS

• Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
• HATCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Veteran. VEVRM Federal contractor.