Program Manager

Wainbee; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recognition programs

Community engagement

Strong leadership

Innovation hubs

Job summary

Johnson Electric in Mississauga, ON is seeking a Program Manager to lead new product development initiatives and manage automotive programs from concept to launch. You will drive cross-functional teams to deliver on quality, cost, and schedule.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in program management in automotive, with APQP/PPAP familiarity, strong leadership, and global collaboration experience. Onsite location in Mississauga with up to 15% travel is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of Program Management or Project Management experience leading cross-functional product development projects.
• Minimum 10 years of experience within the automotive industry, including direct engagement with OEM and Tier-1 customers.
• Proven track record of managing new product launches and complex development programs from concept to production.
• Strong understanding of automotive product development processes and launch management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage new product development and launch programs from quotation through production.
• Develop and maintain program plans, schedules, milestones, budgets, and resource requirements to ensure successful program execution.
• Drive cross-functional alignment and accountability to meet program objectives related to quality, cost, timing, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Identify program risks, issues, and dependencies and lead mitigation and resolution activities.
• Serve as the primary customer contact for all program-related activities, providing regular status updates and managing customer expectations.
• Coordinate engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, purchasing, finance, and operations activities to ensure successful program delivery.
• Support business development activities, including RFQs, commercial reviews, customer presentations, business case development, and contract reviews.
• Lead change management activities and ensure timely execution of customer and internal engineering changes.
• Prepare and present program status reviews, launch readiness assessments, and executive updates.
• Establish and maintain program management documentation, including schedules, risk registers, action logs, and phase-gate deliverables.
• Monitor program financial performance, including tooling investments, development costs, and profitability targets.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Skills

Program management

Product development

APQP

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical discipline

Tools

ERP systems

Project scheduling software

Ability to interpret engineering drawings

Job description

Join Our Team as a Program Manager at Johnson Electric!

Location: Mississauga, ON (onsite)
Salary Range: $120K - 130K annually
Vacancy Type: Existing Position

As our next Program Manager, you’ll be at the forefront of leading new product development initiatives and managing complex automotive programs from concept to launch. Your expertise in program management, product development, APQP, and cross-functional leadership will be critical in ensuring successful launches, customer satisfaction, and business growth.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Recognition Programs: Programs that recognize and reward employee achievements and contributions.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities to participate in community service and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Strong Leadership: Work under experienced and visionary leaders who guide the company towards success.
• Innovation Hubs: Access to state-of-the-art facilities and innovation hubs that foster creativity and development.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead and manage new product development and launch programs from quotation through production.
• Develop and maintain program plans, schedules, milestones, budgets, and resource requirements to ensure successful program execution.
• Drive cross-functional alignment and accountability to meet program objectives related to quality, cost, timing, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Identify program risks, issues, and dependencies and lead mitigation and resolution activities.
• Serve as the primary customer contact for all program-related activities, providing regular status updates and managing customer expectations.
• Coordinate engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, purchasing, finance, and operations activities to ensure successful program delivery.
• Support business development activities, including RFQs, commercial reviews, customer presentations, business case development, and contract reviews.
• Lead change management activities and ensure timely execution of customer and internal engineering changes.
• Prepare and present program status reviews, launch readiness assessments, and executive updates.
• Establish and maintain program management documentation, including schedules, risk registers, action logs, and phase-gate deliverables.
• Monitor program financial performance, including tooling investments, development costs, and profitability targets.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of Program Management or Project Management experience leading cross-functional product development projects.
• Minimum 10 years of experience within the automotive industry, including direct engagement with OEM and Tier-1 customers.
• Proven track record of managing new product launches and complex development programs from concept to production.
• Strong understanding of automotive product development processes and launch management.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, GD&T, and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as casting, machining, assembly, and automated production systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Familiarity with product development tools, project scheduling software, and ERP systems.
• Strong project leadership, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive decisions in a global matrix organization.
• Experience working with international teams and customers; exposure to Asian business environments is preferred.
• Ability to work onsite in Mississauga or Ancaster, Ontario.
• Ability to travel up to 15%, including occasional international travel.

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Experience in mechatronics product development
• PMP Certification
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems, pumps, and automotive fluid management products
• Experience with casting, forging, machining, grinding, and secondary manufacturing processes
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification/background
• Knowledge of CMM, SPC, and statistical analysis tools
• Experience with equipment procurement and supplier development
• Experience leading global or multi-site automotive development programs

What We Offer:

Johnson Electric offers talented people like you the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, surrounded by some of the most dedicated, innovative, and entrepreneurial colleagues you will find anywhere. Of course, we offer competitive pay and benefits, and far more than that, we offer a culture driven by our values and designed to ensure that our most important asset, our people, can flourish.

Johnson Electric welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

In accordance with applicable legislation, Johnson Electric is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process. Applicants should advise Human Resources if they require accommodation during the recruitment process.

Please note:

Johnson Electric may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools as part of our recruitment process.

Come join our global, inclusive & diverse team

Our purpose is to improve the quality of life of everyone we touch through our innovative motion systems. We are a truly global team bound together by our shared values. Our culture is built on the diversity, knowledge, skills, creativity, and talents that each employee brings to the company. Our people are our company’s most valuable asset. We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where employees of different backgrounds feel valued and respected, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity or religious background. We are committed to inspiring our employees to grow, act with ownership and find fulfilment and meaning in the work they do.