Project Manager

Job Description Location: Auburn Hills, MI (CTC) Work Schedule: Fully on‑site | Team start time between 7:00–8:00 AM Travel: Local Detroit‑area travel required; occasional travel to U.S. and Canada facilities (including Windsor). Limited interaction with Mexico teams. Personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursed). Role Overview This role is an Internal Logistics Engineering position focused on the lifecycle management of Powered Industrial Vehicles (PIVs) and material‑handling equipment inside manufacturing facilities. The position is not a generic Project Manager role and does not involve external logistics such as trucking, freight, or carriers. The role owns PIV fleet lease management, equipment specifications, asset utilization, vendor coordination, and cost analysis while working closely with internal logistics engineering, facilities, maintenance, purchasing, quality, and safety teams across multiple plants. Key Responsibilities Powered Industrial Vehicle (PIV) Lease & Fleet Management Track monthly PIV lease expirations and proactively coordinate renewals, extensions, terminations, and replacements across U.S. and Canadian facilities. Maintain accurate records of lease terms, financials, equipment inventories, and vendor documentation. Work closely with Purchasing to analyze lease vs. rental vs. ownership costs, including total cost of ownership (TCO), and identify cost‑reduction opportunities. Evaluate vehicle condition, lifecycle, utilization, and plant usage to support replacement or extension decisions. Prepare financial summaries, justifications, and recommendations for Material Handling Engineers and leadership; submit renewal or extension packages that may require senior or VP‑level approval. Provide monthly, quarterly, and annual fleet reports to leadership. Facilities & Material Handling Equipment Manage long‑term blanket contracts (3–5 years) for logistics equipment in coordination with Corporate Purchasing, including testing, risk assessments, and corrective actions. Develop, maintain, and control technical specifications for internal logistics equipment such as: Forklifts, tuggers, pallet trucks, golf carts / people movers Warehouse racking systems Carts and line‑side display equipment Gravity flow racks Dock equipment Lift, tilt, and rotate tables Maintain up‑to‑date equipment documentation, including specifications, drawings, BOMs, and process documentation. Monitor existing equipment availability and propose reuse, upgrades, replacements, or asset transfers between facilities. Ensure all logistics equipment meets corporate quality standards, safety and ergonomic requirements, and applicable OSHA / MIOSHA and regulatory guidelines. Technical Support, Compliance & Continuous Improvement Maintain working knowledge of industry standards and best practices for powered industrial vehicles and material handling equipment. Evaluate new technologies and equipment solutions based on operational needs and plant requirements. Collaborate closely with Internal Logistics Engineering, facilities, maintenance, quality, and safety teams to provide technical support and resolve issues. Track and report equipment‑related improvements, savings, utilization, and performance metrics. Prepare and deliver reports and presentations for technical and leadership audiences. Develop and maintain installation guides, checklists, spare‑parts lists, and preventive maintenance plans. Coordinate with vendors for technical clarifications, issue resolution, and specification updates, ensuring quotes reflect current designs, not outdated specifications. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or similar strongly preferred). Degrees in Business or Supply Chain may be considered; however, an engineering background is a key success factor. 2–3+ years of experience in internal logistics, manufacturing environments, or plant‑based equipment management. Hands‑on familiarity with Powered Industrial Vehicles, including: Forklifts Tuggers Pallet trucks Golf carts / people movers Other leased or owned plant vehicles Working knowledge of PIV leasing and rental processes, purchasing workflows, and vendor coordination. Experience supporting or managing material handling equipment within plant operations. Strong Excel, PowerPoint, and data management skills. Nice‑to‑Have / Preferred Experience Lease financial analysis, including lease vs. rental vs. ownership modeling. Preparing business cases and financial justifications for leadership review. Managing or supporting multi‑site equipment inventories. Experience with supplier selection, market research, and re‑bid specification updates. Familiarity with multi‑year equipment contracts and supplier performance management. #J-18808-Ljbffr