Program Manager

Program Manager

Confidential Automotive Manufacturer

Locations: Fort Wayne, IN or Lewisburg, TN

Position Summary

A leading Tier 1 automotive manufacturer is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the successful launch and execution of complex automotive programs from award through production. This highly visible role serves as the primary liaison between customers and internal cross-functional teams, ensuring program objectives related to timing, quality, cost, and customer satisfaction are achieved.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of APQP methodologies, automotive product launches, and customer-facing program management. Experience within metal stamping and/or welding operations is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage automotive programs from quotation handoff through launch and production.
• Serve as the primary customer contact for all program-related activities.
• Lead APQP activities and ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Quality, Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing.
• Develop and maintain detailed program timing plans and launch milestones.
• Monitor program financial performance, timing, risks, and deliverables.
• Drive issue resolution through structured problem-solving and escalation processes.
• Facilitate customer meetings, program reviews, and launch readiness assessments.
• Oversee successful completion of key launch deliverables including PPAP submissions.
• Ensure alignment with quality standards, customer expectations, and internal objectives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the program lifecycle.
• Travel as required to customer and manufacturing locations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or related field.
• 5+ years of Program Management experience within automotive manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and launch management processes.
• Proven experience serving as a primary customer interface.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong project management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within Tier 1 automotive suppliers.
• Metal stamping and/or welding manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of automotive launch processes involving OEM customers.
• Experience with program financial tracking and cost management.
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 quality requirements.

Desired Leadership Traits

• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Customer-focused mindset.
• Excellent communicator capable of building relationships at all levels.
• Ability to influence without direct authority.
• Results-oriented leader who thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Skilled at balancing customer expectations with operational realities.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join a highly respected global automotive supplier.
• Lead high-profile automotive launch programs.
• Significant interaction with OEM and Tier 1 customers.
• Opportunity to influence program success from concept through production.
• Career growth potential within a growing organization.
• Competitive compensation, bonus opportunity, and comprehensive benefits package.

Locations Available:

• Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Lewisburg, Tennessee
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.