Program Lead

To our client we are now looking for a Program Lead.Description of the assignmentWe are seeking a highly organized and strategic Program Lead (PL) to join our Technology & Innovation team. The PL will be instrumental in increasing the efficiency and impact of our department organization by managing various programs, driving operational excellence, and fostering collaboration across cross-functional teams. The PL acts as the operational backbone for our team, managing the project lifecycle for all our product initiatives. This strategic role ensures that our projects are well-planned, resourced, and delivered on time while maintaining a high standard of quality. You’ll be a key partner to our department leadership, translating high-level goals and requirements into clear, actionable deliverables that teams can confidently execute. Key Responsibilities • Stakeholder Management o Serve as the primary point of contact for project status, risks, and decisions. o Coordinate with various Product Line departments (Our ‘customer’ in China), Quality (VQM/DQM, China), and the Global Design PMO (China & Sweden). o Align stakeholders around goals, deliverables, and success metrics. o Identify bottlenecks early, propose solutions, and keep projects unblocked. • Delivery Management o Handle incoming requests and keep delivery dates on track. o Build and maintain clear project plans, timelines, and milestones for project initiatives. o Secure the technical input we need and that everyone is on the same page. • Expand our reach o Drive special projects and innovations by connecting with external organizations, including Marketing, Merchandise, and Intelligent Drive, HMI, etc. • Process Optimization o Partner with stakeholders at the working level to refine processes and increase collaboration efficiency. • Tracking & Control o Stay on top of budget shifts, scope changes, and shifting vehicle timelines. o Track progress and ensure work is delivered with quality and on schedule. o Document and share program updates and roadmaps Qualifications and skills required for the role • 5+ years of experience in Program Management, Project Management, Design Operations, or a similar role, ideally within digital product development organizations. • Proven track record of successfully managing complex, cross-functional projects and programs from concept to launch. • Strong organizational skills, with the ability to keep multiple projects in motion. • Expertise with project management and collaboration tools (Jira, Excel). • Exceptional written and verbal communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority. • Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable navigating ambiguity and rapid change. Good to have: • Experience in automotive, software, consumer tech, or innovation environments. • Familiarity with agile methodologies and product development lifecycles. • Experience with headcount and capacity planning for project teams. • Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Design, Business, Communications, Computer Science). • Mandarin Language skills Personal attributes Strong drive, communicative with good leadership skills, independent and confident as well as a good team player. Methodical and analytical with good planning skills. Flexible and able to work under constrained time schedules and frequently revised circumstances. Other • The assignment will take place in our studio in Gothenburg, and we have an ‘office first’ environment with some flexibility to WFH. • Travel to China may be needed (approx. 2-3 trips per year). • Everyone in our team has a high level of responsibility and mandate and is expected to be able to work autonomously. • Fluent in English, spoken and written