Automotive Project Management & Tier 1 Procurement – From Concept to SOP

The real problem: Automotive projects rarely fail because of missing resources. They fail because of poor coordination, late escalations, and nobody keeping an eye on the big picture. That is exactly where we come in.

Our approach: SGS takes over project control from the requirement specification to SOP. We know the processes at BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Porsche from first-hand experience — and we know how Tier 1 suppliers work.

What we take care of

Scope of services: Project planning and milestone control, schedule and resource management, coordination between OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, toolmakers and logistics partners, risk management, change management, and reporting to OEM standards.

OEM & Tier 1 Coordination

The critical interface: The link between OEM and supplier is the critical point in most projects. Different requirements, processes and cultures often lead to talking past each other. We act as the connecting link: we know both sides, speak both languages and make sure decisions keep moving instead of getting stuck.

Experience & References

15+ years of practice: Interior, exterior, structural components, lightweight design, assemblies. A concrete example: tool relocation from Germany to China, completed in 9 months with 30% fewer project hours than the predecessor. Details on our references page.

Talk to us about your next project.

We manage automotive projects along the entire supply chain – from OEMs to Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. As the central interface, we ensure an efficient flow of information between design, engineering, procurement, quality and production. Our projects are led exclusively by experienced senior project managers with many years of international expertise, particularly as a bridge between Asia and Europe. This means we understand technical requirements as well as cultural, organisational and process differences – decisive for international automotive projects.

We support the entire product life cycle: from the concept and pre-series phase to start of production (SOP), including tool relocations, production ramp-ups, supplier changes and the industrialisation of new components. Reliability is what defines us. Long-standing customers entrust us with critical projects – across countries, time zones and supply chains. This is where our slogan comes from: SGS – your trusted global partner.

Our project management is hands-on, structured and focused on schedule adherence, cost control and technical feasibility. Close alignment with partners identifies risks early and develops solutions.

Services at a glance:

• Schedule, cost and quality management in automotive projects.
• Management of international teams and suppliers.
• Tool relocations and production ramp-ups.
• Support from concept series to SOP.
• Transparent communication and reporting.
• Early risk assessment and solution finding.
• The result: stable processes, clear responsibilities and reliable decisions in complex international automotive development projects.

References

→ our clients

About us

→ About SGS

Location

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Professional Project Management & Procurement Consulting for Automotive

In the automotive industry, tight schedules and efficient coordination decide the success of a project. SGS Schach Global Solutions offers you experienced project management and Tier 1 procurement consulting with more than 15 years of industry experience. We know the processes and requirements of the major German premium manufacturers and international OEMs first-hand and steer your projects safely through every phase – from the requirement specification to a successful SOP.

From Concept Phase to Production Ramp-Up

Our project management covers the entire product development process. In the concept phase, we jointly define project goals, create schedules and identify critical paths. During development, we coordinate design reviews, simulation releases and component approvals. In the tooling phase, we monitor tool making, plan sampling and manage the PPAP documentation. We accompany the production ramp-up intensively until production is stable.

OEM & Tier 1 Coordination

The interface between OEM and supplier is the most critical point in any vehicle project. Our team acts as the link between all project stakeholders: OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, toolmakers, testing laboratories and logistics providers. We speak the language of both sides and make sure information flows, deadlines are met, and risks are identified and resolved early.

Why SGS as Your Project Management Partner?

What sets us apart from large consulting firms: at SGS you get personal support from experienced project managers who accompany your project from day one to completion. No changing contacts, no inflated teams – just focused, efficient project control with clear responsibilities. And we offer an excellent price-performance ratio that is particularly attractive for mid-sized suppliers.

Contact us for a no-obligation conversation about your next project.

Frequently Asked Questions – Automotive Project Management

What does project management in the automotive industry involve?

Automotive project management covers the end-to-end coordination of vehicle programs – from concept and development through tooling and supplier onboarding to Start of Production (SOP). This includes milestone control, risk management, OEM and Tier 1 coordination, and documentation to automotive standards such as APQP and VDA maturity assurance.

Which project phases does SGS support?

SGS supports all phases: concept (design review, feasibility analysis), development (sampling, FMEA, prototypes), tooling (tool tracking, initial sample inspection PPAP/PPF), ramp-up (SOP preparation, supplier releases) and series production (change management, escalation control).

How does SGS coordinate the interface between OEM and supplier?

Our project management team acts as a neutral link between OEM requirements and supplier capabilities. We translate technical specifications, moderate technical clarifications, coordinate schedules and ensure that engineering change requests are communicated completely and on time – in both directions.

What is APQP and why does it matter?

APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) is a structured quality planning process that ensures all necessary steps are completed before series launch. It covers product design, process planning, product validation and production release. SGS helps build and maintain the APQP plan, coordinate release milestones and escalate delays.

What company sizes is SGS project management suited for?

Our project management serves large OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers as well as mid-sized automotive suppliers running a complex launch program without sufficient in-house resources. We scale flexibly – from leading individual modules to full project responsibility.

How quickly can SGS step in during project crises?

Thanks to flat hierarchies and local plus international presence, we can be operational within 48–72 hours – whether at a supplier in Asia, Eastern Europe or Germany. Learn more about crisis management in our article: Escalation Management Best Practices.