Automotive Design Program Manager
Location: Technicon Design, Sweden
Technicon Design Sweden is seeking an experienced Design Program Manager to lead and coordinate complete‑vehicle design programs for our global automotive clients, In this role, you will be responsible for managing all design‑related program activities throughout the full product development lifecycle, ensuring world‑class delivery in timing, content, and quality.
Role Overview
You will act as the central driver of design program execution, integrating overall vehicle program plans with design project plans and sub‑plans. You will oversee budgets, forecasts, resourcing, and cross‑functional communication, ensuring efficient collaboration between European design teams, global engineering, and program management—primarily located in China.
Key Responsibilities
Program & Project Leadership
- Manage complete-vehicle design program activities across all development phases.
- Align and integrate master vehicle program plans with detailed design project plans.
- Drive delivery to meet targets in time, cost, content, and quality.
- Maintain ownership of resourcing, budgeting, financial forecasting, and progress reporting.
- Delegate tasks across the design program team and ensure effective follow‑up.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Work closely with Vehicle Program Management and Product Development teams, mainly in China.
- Collaborate with senior Design Management to ensure strategic alignment and decision‑making.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders and executive leadership across multiple regions.
- Support change management efforts to ensure smooth integration of new processes or directions.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Extensive project experience within the automotive design environment (5–10 years).
- Strong understanding of complete automotive product design processes, tools, and methods.
- Solid knowledge of cross‑functional processes interfacing with design (engineering, manufacturing, etc.).
- Proven financial capability: budgeting, forecasting, and analysis of actuals.
- Ability to interpret, apply, and manage programme plans to achieve project goals.
Personal Attributes
- Creative mindset with the ability to identify and implement efficiency improvements.
- Strong team‑oriented approach with a global mindset.
- High level of authority, determination, and decisiveness in driving program objectives.
- Ability to build a positive team environment and foster collaboration.
- Confident communicator at senior and executive levels.
- Strong people‑management and leadership skills.
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity, especially regarding Chinese–European collaboration.
IT / Software Skills
- Proficiency with standard automotive‑industry digital tools and workflows.
Additional Information