Program Manager

Position Summary

The Program Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, technical performance, and operational execution of Chemical Management Services (CMS) within an automotive manufacturing environment, with primary focus on paint shop systems, safety, industrial automation interfaces, and process optimization.

This role provides technical direction, program governance, and cross-functional coordination to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operation of chemical systems supporting production equipment. The position serves as the primary liaison between the customer, internal teams, and third-party suppliers while driving continuous improvement, cost optimization, and operational reliability.

Responsibilities/Duties:

Program & Operational Leadership

• Lead and manage all aspects of the Chemical Management Services (CMS) program in accordance with contractual Scope of Work (SOW) requirements.
• Serve as primary technical and operational point of contact between the customer facility and Chemico.
• Direct daily site operations to ensure uninterrupted support of paint shop and related manufacturing processes.
• Monitor program performance metrics, service delivery, safety and compliance requirements.
• Conduct regular operational reviews and lead monthly and quarterly performance meetings with stakeholders.

Technical & Process Oversight

• Provide technical leadership supporting all plant chemical systems, automation interfaces, and industrial process equipment including:
• Pretreatment and washer systems
• Paint Detackification
• Cooling towers, boilers, and chillers
• Centralized chemical delivery systems
• Body Weld cooling water
• Analyze system performance through testing, data review, and mass balance evaluations to maintain equipment efficiency, corrosion prevention, and process stability.
• Support troubleshooting of process disruptions impacting production, quality, or environmental compliance.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational reliability and reduce total cost of ownership.

Automation & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with plant engineering and automation teams to optimize chemical delivery, monitoring, and control systems (Industrialization).
• Drive data-based decision making through reporting, trend analysis, and performance tracking.
• Lead technical improvement initiatives aligned with cost savings, efficiency gains, and sustainability objectives.
• Standardize best practices and share successful improvements across multiple sites.

Team Leadership & Supplier Management

• Provide leadership and technical guidance to site technicians and Tier 2 service providers.
• Ensure personnel operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with plant policies and regulatory requirements.
• Manage supplier performance through defined KPIs, scorecards, and service expectations.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, training, and development of program personnel. Ensure compliance with Safety Contractor Management SCM programs.

Logistics, Compliance & Reporting

• Oversee chemical inventory management and ensure accurate forecasting and on-time product delivery.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and operational regulations.
• Track project execution and report performance against savings and operational targets.
• Support company reporting initiatives, metrics development, and continuous improvement programs.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Strong technical understanding of automotive paint shop operations and industrial chemical applications.
• Working knowledge of automation-controlled manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical and operational issues.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Effective leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of unionized manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, and reporting systems.
• Occasional travel required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and/or Chemistry/Biology/Biochemistry and/or equivalent experience.
• Recommended minimum of 3-5 years of previous experience in chemical management.
• Recommended minimum 2 years' experience in contract construction, negotiation, and application.

Work Environment:

This position operates primarily within an automotive manufacturing facility and requires frequent presence on the production floor. The role involves balancing technical problem-solving, operational leadership, and administrative responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Environment:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions:

• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods within large industrial facilities.
• Ability to work at a computer workstation for prolonged periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as required.

Travel:

Overnight travel may be required - less than 5%

EEO Statement:

Chemico provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Chemico complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Chemico expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Chemico employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.