Account Manager / Program Manager

XLI Corporation; Rochester; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

XLI Corporation in the United Kingdom seeks a Program Manager to oversee customer programs within a contract manufacturing environment, guiding projects from quote to production and delivery. You will coordinate engineering, production, quality, and supply chain teams, monitor KPIs, manage risks, and ensure on-time delivery, quality, and profitability.

The role requires strong communication, scheduling discipline, and a focus on continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools.
• Strong customer-facing communication and relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple programs and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned customer accounts, managing all program-related communication.
• Lead programs from RFQ/quote through launch, production, and ongoing support.
• Review customer requirements and ensure accurate flow-down to internal teams.
• Develop and manage program timelines, ensuring alignment with delivery expectations.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, production, quality, supply chain, and scheduling.
• Monitor KPIs, including on-time delivery, quality, and cost performance.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation plans.
• Manage engineering and schedule changes and customer-driven demand fluctuations.
• Support quoting activities with cost and lead time inputs.
• Track program financial performance including margins and cost overruns.
• Lead regular internal and customer-facing program review meetings.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to process efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction.

Skills

ERP/MRP systems

Production planning tools

Customer-facing communication

Program management

Multi-project management

Job description

The Program Manager is responsible for managing customer programs within a contract manufacturing environment, ensuring successful execution from quote through production and delivery. This role serves as the primary interface between the customer and internal teams, translating customer requirements into actionable plans while driving on-time delivery, quality, and profitability. The Program Manager plays a critical role in managing high-mix, low-volume production and adapting quickly to changing customer demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned customer accounts, managing all program-related communication
• Lead programs from RFQ/quote through launch, production, and ongoing support
• Review customer requirements (drawings, specifications, contracts) and ensure accurate flow-down to internal teams
• Develop and manage program timelines, ensuring alignment with customer delivery expectations
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, production, quality, supply chain, and scheduling
• Monitor and drive key performance indicators (KPIs), including on-time delivery, quality, and cost performance
• Proactively identify risks (capacity constraints, material shortages, engineering challenges) and implement mitigation plans
• Manage engineering changes, schedule changes, and customer-driven demand fluctuations
• Support quoting activities by collaborating with estimating, engineering, and operations to ensure accurate cost and lead time inputs
• Track program financial performance, including margins, cost overruns, and opportunities for improvement
• Lead regular internal and customer-facing program review meetings
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to process efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction

Qualifications

• Experience working with customer-driven production schedules and changing priorities
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools
• Strong customer-facing communication and relationship management skills
• Ability to manage multiple programs and shifting priorities simultaneously
• High sense of urgency and responsiveness in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail