Paulo Cunha
MANAGER - CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Summary
Experienced Automotive Manager with nearly 20 years in customer support, quality execution, and project management roles. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams across multiple countries, driving improvements in product quality, process efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Expertise in managing OEM relationships, implementing Six Sigma methodologies, and resolving technical issues. Strong background in quality assurance, process improvement and Lean Management.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
MANAGER - CUSTOMER SUPPORT
HUF PORTUGUESA, LDA
2 2021 - Current
- Lead a team in Portugal, managing and resolving technical and quality issues for automotive OEMs
- Oversee customer complaints management, warranty analysis process and field observations
- Implement quality standards and manage product/process changes, ensuring feasibility and compliance with customer requirements
- Conduct customer/certification audits and developing and executing the respective action plans
- Drive the plant towards a Six Sigma Quality Status, tracking KPIs and non-conformance costs.
MANAGER - QUALITY EXECUTION EUROPE
HUF GROUP
10.2017 - 10.2021
- Managed European teams (located in Portugal and in Germany) in the 'Mechatronic Solutions' Business Unit
- Coordinated the resolution of customer issues, including technical and quality concerns across European plants
- Spearheaded warranty analysis process, product and process changes, and audits align with customer requirements
- Maintained plant quality standards, tracked non-conformance costs, and implemented aggressive lessons learned processes.
MANAGER - CUSTOMER SUPPORT
HUF PORTUGUESA, LDA
10.2012 - 10.2017
- Led a team in addressing and resolving customer issues for OEMs, focusing on technical and quality challenges
- Managed customer complaints, warranty analyses, and process/product changes
- Implemented customer requirements and quality standards, leading audits and ensuring KPI compliance
- Drove non-conformance cost reduction and managed technical aspects during project phases.
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
BORGWARNER EMISSIONS SYSTEMS - PORTUGAL/SPAIN
04.2008 - 10.2012
- Oversaw projects related to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems, reducing harmful emissions for thermal engines
- Managed multidisciplinary teams and presented technical solutions to customers
- Led project phases including validation plans, budget tracking, and quality gates, with a focus on secondary air pump systems.
PRODUCT ENGINEER
PECOL AUTOMOTIVE - COMPONENTES INDUSTRIAIS, S.A.
06.2007 - 04.2008
- Managed product development for German automotive customers, specializing in stamped and cold-formed components
- Facilitated customer communication, provided technical solutions, and prepared offers based on 3D/2D specifications.
PROJECT MANAGER
EVOBUS PORTUGAL, S.A. (DAIMLER AG GROUP)
01.2004 - 05.2007
- Acted as the liaison between Evobus GmbH Germany and joint-venture partner Caetanobus, managing engineering and after-sales communications
- Ensured compliance with Daimler's purchasing and technical specifications for Mercedes-Benz Bus components.
TRAINEE
STELLANTIS PORTUGAL
10.2003 - 01.2004
- Trained in the Paint Shop Department, optimizing painting stations and processes.
Education
MBA EXECUTIVE - MBA for Executives
University of Coimbra
Coimbra, Portugal 09.2023 - Current
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEGREE (PRE-BOLOGNA) - Focused on project and production management, with in-depth studies in technologies such as stamping, mechanization, casting, and injection.
Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisbon
Lisboa, Portugal 08.1997 - 05.2003
HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION - undefined
High School Education
São Pedro do Sul, Portugal 12.1993 - 05.1997
HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION - undefined
Lycée Technique des Arts et Métier
Luxembourg, Luxembourg 06.1985 - 05.1993
Skills
Extensive experience in managing multifunctional teams
Strong intercultural competence with multilingual proficiency
Skilled in technical-commercial presentations in customer languages
Deep knowledge of quality and project requirements with strong ability to work under pressure
Extensive experience working with OEMs globally, accustomed to travel and goal-oriented work
Expertise in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and quality tools like 8D, Ishikawa, 5S, and risk assessment
Proficient in ISO standards, MSA, VDA 63 audits, and OEM-specific processes
Skilled in warranty analysis and Lean Management for process improvement
Skilled in leading cross-functional and multinational teams in high-pressure environments
Expertise in strategic planning, resource allocation and performance management
Strong decision-making with a focus on operational excellence, budget management, and KPI tracking
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 01/15/1978
- Nationality: Portuguese
Languages
Portuguese, German, French
Native language
ENGLISH
Advanced
C1
SPANISH
Advanced
C1
Timeline
MBA EXECUTIVE - MBA for Executives
University of Coimbra
09.2023 - Current
MANAGER - QUALITY EXECUTION EUROPE
HUF GROUP
10.2017 - 10.2021
MANAGER - CUSTOMER SUPPORT
HUF PORTUGUESA, LDA
10.2012 - 10.2017
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
BORGWARNER EMISSIONS SYSTEMS - PORTUGAL/SPAIN
04.2008 - 10.2012
PRODUCT ENGINEER
PECOL AUTOMOTIVE - COMPONENTES INDUSTRIAIS, S.A.
06.2007 - 04.2008
PROJECT MANAGER
EVOBUS PORTUGAL, S.A. (DAIMLER AG GROUP)
01.2004 - 05.2007
TRAINEE
STELLANTIS PORTUGAL
10.2003 - 01.2004
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEGREE (PRE-BOLOGNA) - Focused on project and production management, with in-depth studies in technologies such as stamping, mechanization, casting, and injection.
Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisbon
08.1997 - 05.2003
HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION - undefined
High School Education
12.1993 - 05.1997
HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION - undefined
Lycée Technique des Arts et Métier
06.1985 - 05.1993
MANAGER - CUSTOMER SUPPORT
HUF PORTUGUESA, LDA
2 2021 - Current