Head of Project Management Office

BYD, a global leader in electric vehicle manufacturing is seeking an experienced Head of Project Management Office to lead localization and vehicle assembly expansion programs in Malaysia.

This role is the central coordination point between internal teams, suppliers, contractors, and government authorities to ensure successful execution of vehicle assembly, localization, regulatory compliance and market launch activities. It requires strong automotive program management experience, manufacturing operations knowledge, and proven capability in engaging with regulatory bodies and government stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end management of local assembly and localization programs from planning through SOP and lifecycle execution.
• Develop and control project plans including timelines, milestones, budgets, resources, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Establish PMO governance, reporting frameworks, and executive updates to senior management and HQ.
• Drive cross-functional coordination, issue resolution, and decision-making across internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as primary interface between company, suppliers, and contractors ensure alignment on execution and delivery.
• Collaborate with Head of Products to ensure production readiness, launch execution, capacity planning, and operational performance.
• Ensure assembly operations comply with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Lead engagement with government ministries, regulatory bodies, and industry agencies.
• Manage regulatory approvals, certifications, permits, and incentive-related applications.
• Monitor and interpret automotive policies, regulations, taxation, trade agreements, and localization requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with safety, environmental, and homologation standards; coordinate testing and certification activities.
• Represent the company in government and industry forums and consultations.
• Develop and execute localization strategy aligned with corporate and government objectives.
• Drive supplier localization and procurement collaboration to increase local content.
• Evaluate government incentive programs and industrial development opportunities.
• Provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership on regulatory, commercial, and localization matters.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field. MBA or Master’s Degree preferred.
• 12–15 years of experience in the automotive industry.
• Minimum 5 years in senior project/program management or operations leadership roles.
• Strong experience within an automotive OEM environment.
• Proven track record in vehicle assembly programs, launch execution, or manufacturing operations.
• Experience in government liaison, regulatory compliance, or policy-related automotive matters.
• Strong understanding of vehicle homologation and certification processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Excel, ERP/CRM systems.
• PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile certification is an advantage.
• Familiarity with regional automotive policies and industrial development frameworks.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills.
• Willingness to travel for business and government engagement.