Join a premier global automotive supplier as an ADAS Smart Camera Project Manager in Tokyo, leading the end-to-end development of advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) smart front camera solutions for a major automotive OEM.
You will take ownership of the complete project lifecycle, from scope definition and development through launch and volume extensions. The role combines automotive project management, ADAS technology, ECU development and global engineering leadership, with responsibility for project profitability, quality, budgets, schedules and engineering changes.
As the primary interface with automotive OEM customers, you will lead technical proposals, manage customer expectations and coordinate cross-border engineering teams across Europe, Asia and other global locations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the full project lifecycle for ADAS smart front camera systems and other automotive OEM/OES components, from initial scope definition through development and final launch.
- Take full accountability for project KPIs, including development profitability, extended margins and quality targets.
- Manage project budgets and optimise cross-functional resources across global engineering centres.
- Serve as the primary interface with automotive OEM customers, managing customer engagement and developing strategic partnerships.
- Lead technical proposals and coordinate customer requirements with internal engineering teams.
- Provide functional leadership to project team members by setting objectives, reviewing performance and supporting competency development.
- Manage R&D schedules, project milestones, gate readiness and engineering change activities.
- Coordinate change-management quotations and ensure commercial and technical impacts are appropriately managed.
- Identify and escalate project risks while driving corrective actions across relevant teams.
- Apply Design to Cost methodologies to support project profitability and financial targets.
- Coordinate cross-regional engineering and project teams working across multiple time zones.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Experience:
- At least 5 years of practical automotive project management experience within a Tier 1 supplier or automotive OEM.
- Experience managing the full development lifecycle of automotive components, systems or related technologies.
- Demonstrated knowledge and practical familiarity with the ASPICE development framework.
- Strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience with in-vehicle Electronic Control Units (ECUs).
- Experience managing cross-regional project teams across multiple countries and time zones.
- Experience managing project schedules, milestones, budgets, risks and cross-functional resources.
Soft Skills:
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide cross-functional and international project teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management capabilities for working directly with automotive OEM customers and internal leadership.
- Strong cross-functional communication and coordination skills across engineering, commercial and project teams.
- Ability to manage complex technical projects while maintaining focus on quality, profitability, schedules and customer requirements.
- Strong ownership, problem-solving and risk-management capabilities.
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: Fluent / Advanced Business level
- English: Fluent / Business level
- Ability to manage daily customer discussions and negotiations in Japanese and collaborate effectively with engineering teams across Europe, Asia and other global locations in English.
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Familiarity with automotive development gate-review processes, including P1/P2 project phases, CAA/IAR approvals or equivalent automotive industry standards.
- Experience leading multicultural or cross-border engineering teams.
- Experience working on complex automotive electronics or advanced vehicle technology projects.
About the Company
Our client is a premier global automotive supplier providing advanced thermal, powertrain, electronics and autonomous driving technologies to vehicle manufacturers worldwide.
Its smart electronics division works directly with global automotive manufacturers to develop next-generation ADAS and vehicle interior technologies.
The organisation combines global engineering capabilities with direct automotive OEM collaboration, providing an international environment for professionals working on advanced vehicle electronics and driver-assistance technologies.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- High-impact ADAS projects: Lead smart front camera and vision-based ADAS projects for major Japanese automotive OEM customers.
- End-to-end project ownership: Manage development from scope definition through launch and volume extensions.
- Advanced automotive technology: Work at the intersection of ADAS, smart cameras, automotive electronics and ECU development.
- Global engineering collaboration: Work daily with international engineering teams across Europe, Asia and other global locations.
- Direct OEM engagement: Act as a key interface with major automotive customers and lead technical and project discussions.
- Commercial responsibility: Take ownership of project profitability, budgets, margins and Design to Cost initiatives.
- International leadership: Lead cross-functional and multicultural engineering teams across multiple regions and time zones.
- Career progression: Develop toward larger-scale program management or senior divisional leadership opportunities.
Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!
