Program Manager

Associate Program Manager - Automotive Plastics

Location: Williamsburg, MI

Salary: $80,000-$9,000 annually + Annual Bonus (typically around 10%, based on individual and company performance)

Relocation Assistance: Available

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the successful launch and lifecycle management of automotive plastic component programs from award through production and end-of-life. This role serves as the primary customer contact and is responsible for delivering programs on time, within budget, and to quality expectations while ensuring alignment between customer requirements and internal operations. The ideal candidate will bring strong automotive manufacturing experience, leadership skills, and expertise in APQP-driven program execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead program execution from quote handoff through launch, production, and program closeout
• Develop and manage detailed timing plans including APQP, tooling, validation, and launch milestones
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Sales, and Finance
• Serve as the primary customer contact for meetings, communications, engineering changes, and deliverables
• Identify and mitigate risks related to cost, timing, quality, tooling, and capacity
• Own program financial performance including piece price, tooling budgets, launch costs, profitability, and cancellation costs
• Lead engineering change management, cost recovery efforts, and technical communication internally and externally
• Support quoting activities through timing feasibility reviews and lessons learned feedback
• Drive APQP deliverables, PPAP submissions, tooling builds, validation plans, and production ramp-up activities
• Ensure manufacturing readiness, capacity planning, and quality standards are achieved prior to SOP
• Provide launch support, including containment activities when required
• Facilitate structured problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives such as VA/VE and lessons learned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years of program or project management experience within automotive manufacturing
• Strong working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and automotive launch processes
• Experience with injection-molded plastic components and materials
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Strong customer-facing communication, presentation, and relationship management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting OEM customers such as General Motors, Stellantis, or Ford Motor Company
• Familiarity with powertrain, battery, or structural automotive components
• Working knowledge of tooling, injection molding, assembly, and validation processes

Core Competencies

• Strong communication skills across internal teams and external customers
• High level of ownership, accountability, and urgency
• Organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environments
• Strong problem-solving and sound decision-making abilities
• Ability to balance technical, commercial, and customer priorities

Reporting Structure

Reports To: VP of Operations or Engineering Manager

Collaborates With: Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Sales, and Finance

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $100,000-$130,000 annually
• Annual Bonus: Typically around 10% based on individual and organizational performance
• Relocation Assistance Available
• Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off

Equal Opportunity Employer (including Disability/Veterans)

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