Application Manager

Jimmy Jazz; Camarillo (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

ODU is seeking an Application Center Manager in California to lead custom opportunity execution from initial engagement through production launch. You will coordinate customers, sales, engineering, and operations to ensure delivery of complex technical solutions.

The role requires strong project management, cross-functional collaboration, and customer-focused execution in a fast-paced environment. Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, business, or related field required.
• Experience in project management, cross-functional roles, and customer-facing projects preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and stakeholder-management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Regional Sales Managers to evaluate customer opportunities and develop solution strategies.
• Lead discussions with customers to understand application requirements, objectives, timelines, and project expectations.
• Act as the primary liaison between customers and internal stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure customer requirements are clearly communicated and translated into actionable deliverables.
• Build trusted relationships with customers while aligning with business objectives.
• Lead custom application opportunities from concept through production launch.
• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Sales.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and drive issue resolution.
• Facilitate reviews, status updates, and stakeholder communications.
• Manage scope changes and ensure alignment on customer expectations and commitments.
• Coordinate with global ODU teams to support execution and outcomes.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

Customer relationship management

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, PM, or related field

Job description

• Employee Type Exempt
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree
• Travel 10%

What You'll Do

Customer & Opportunity Leadership

• Partner with Regional Sales Managers to evaluate customer opportunities and develop solution strategies.
• Lead discussions with customers to understand application requirements, objectives, timelines, and project expectations.
• Act as the primary liaison between customers and internal stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure customer requirements are clearly communicated and translated into actionable deliverables.
• Build trusted relationships with customers while maintaining alignment with business objectives.

Project Management & Execution

• Lead custom application opportunities from initial concept through production launch.
• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Sales teams.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and proactively drive issue resolution.
• Facilitate project reviews, status updates, and stakeholder communications.
• Manage project scope changes and ensure alignment on customer expectations and business commitments.
• Coordinate with global ODU teams as required to support project execution and successful outcomes.

Quotation & Commercial Coordination

• Lead the quotation process for custom connector and cable assembly opportunities.
• Coordinate cross-functional input to develop accurate, competitive, and profitable proposals.
• Review project costs, assumptions, timelines, risks, and margin expectations.
• Maintain clear documentation of customer requirements, project commitments, and commercial assumptions.
• Support opportunity planning and successful transition into production.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve project visibility, communication, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Support implementation of tools, systems, and processes that improve project execution and customer experience.
• Contribute to best practices for managing custom opportunities from intake through production launch.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in project management, technical sales, application engineering, operations, manufacturing, or a similar cross-functional role.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer relationship skills.
• Ability to translate technical and business requirements into actionable project plans.
• Proven ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, industrial, electronics, engineered products, connectors, or cable assemblies.
• Experience managing customer-facing projects involving custom solutions or new product introductions.
• Exposure to quotations, pricing, cost analysis, or commercial project evaluation.
• Experience coordinating projects across multiple departments and global teams.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or similar project management training is a plus.

About ODU

ODU is a global leader in precision connector systems and cable assembly solutions used in demanding industries including medical technology, aerospace & defense, industrial automation, energy, and test & measurement. Our success is built on innovation, customer partnership, and delivering solutions that perform in the most challenging environments.

We are seeking a highly organized and customer-focused Application Center Manager to lead custom opportunity execution from initial customer engagement through production launch. This role serves as the central project leader, coordinating customers, sales, engineering, operations, and global stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of complex technical solutions.

If you enjoy managing cross-functional projects, collaborating with technical teams, and driving customer-focused business results, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join ODU?

At ODU, you’ll work alongside talented professionals who are passionate about innovation, collaboration, and delivering exceptional solutions to customers around the world. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, career development opportunities, and a culture that values teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this California-based position is $95,000 to $115,000 annually, depending on experience, skills, education, and other job-related factors. In addition to base pay, ODU offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and other employee programs.