Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Program Manager

Location: Reynoldsburg, OH

Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead automotive new model development programs from initial RFQ and concept through launch and mass production. This individual will be accountable for overall program performance from both an engineering and business perspective, ensuring successful execution of project objectives related to quality, cost, delivery, scope, and customer requirements.

The Program Manager will lead cross-functional teams, coordinate internal and external resources, manage program budgets and schedules, and serve as a primary customer interface throughout the product development lifecycle. This role requires strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, along with the ability to identify risks, resolve complex issues, manage engineering changes, and maintain alignment across multiple departments.

The ideal candidate brings automotive Tier 1 or OEM experience, a strong understanding of APQP and new product development, and the ability to lead and influence teams without direct supervisory authority.

1. Experience leading automotive new model development programs from RFQ/concept through mass production.
2. Experience working within a Tier 1 automotive supplier or OEM environment.
3. Demonstrated experience managing program budgets, engineering labor, tooling, prototype costs, and development expenditures.
4. Working knowledge of APQP, product development, design reviews, engineering changes, and change management processes.
5. Experience leading cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, suppliers, and other supporting functions.
6. Strong program management capabilities, including scheduling, resource planning, cost tracking, risk management, and execution.
7. Understanding of automotive product costs, tooling, prototype development, manufacturing processes, and engineering changes.
8. Ability to lead, influence, negotiate, and resolve conflicts without direct supervisory authority.
9. Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, written, verbal, and presentation skills.
10. Proficiency in Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, or a related technical field. Equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered.
2. Technical knowledge of automotive seating, interiors, or related vehicle components.
3. Experience with structured project management methodologies and project management software.
4. Experience coordinating prototype builds, product validation, tooling development, and production launches.
5. Experience supporting competitive RFQs, new business opportunities, benchmarking, and competitive analysis.
6. Experience managing global engineering resources and international cross-functional teams.
7. Experience with Kaizen, continuous improvement, and development process optimization.
8. Experience mentoring and developing engineering associates or less-experienced project team members.

1. Lead assigned automotive new model development programs from RFQ and initial concept through production launch and mass production.
2. Manage program scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, and customer deliverables to ensure successful execution.
3. Lead cross-functional project teams and establish accountability for milestones, deliverables, and program objectives without direct supervisory authority.
4. Serve as the primary customer interface for development timing, technical requirements, program status, concerns, and engineering changes.
5. Coordinate activities across engineering, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, suppliers, prototype operations, and other supporting departments.
6. Identify program risks, schedule delays, cost impacts, and technical concerns while developing and driving effective countermeasures.
7. Plan and coordinate prototype and development builds, including timing, parts, tooling, resources, and cross-functional support.
8. Lead negotiations involving product specifications, timing, cost, scope, and engineering changes with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
9. Monitor program financial performance, including material costs, tooling, engineering labor, prototype expenses, and other development expenditures.
10. Communicate program status, financial performance, risks, open issues, and recovery plans to management and executive leadership.
11. Support technical and business strategies for competitive RFQs, new business opportunities, benchmarking, and continuous improvement.
12. Mentor project team members and promote effective utilization of global engineering resources.

• Up to 10% domestic and international travel.
• Must be willing and able to travel domestically and internationally as required.

• Reports to: Management
• Direct Reports: None
• Indirect Reports: None

• Work is primarily performed in an open office environment with occasional exposure to moderate noise levels.
• Requires frequent verbal communication with coworkers, customers, suppliers, and management.
• Requires the ability to receive and interpret detailed information through oral communication.
• Requires the ability to prepare, review, and analyze written and computer-generated information.
• Physical activities include sitting, standing, walking, and using hands to handle or manipulate objects.
• May occasionally require reaching with hands and arms and lifting up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• No special visual acuity requirements.

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