Automotive Interior Program Manager: Launch & Delivery

Piston Group & Piston Automotive LLC; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Piston Interiors is seeking a Program Manager to lead automotive interior programs from award through launch and production. You will be the primary liaison between the customer, cross-functional teams, and manufacturing operations to ensure successful execution of program objectives related to quality, cost, timing, and profitability.

The role requires strong PM skills, experience with APQP/PPAP, and collaboration with OEM customers such as Ford and Stellantis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 3–5 years of Program Management experience within a Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive supplier.
• Experience managing programs for OEM customers such as Ford Motor Company, or Stellantis.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and automotive launch processes.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and customer-facing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
• Experience with automotive interiors, seating, trim, textiles, or soft goods.
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 and OEM customer-specific requirements.
• Experience managing multiple programs simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate PMT meetings and gate reviews, and follow up on issues; ensure plant personnel are informed and attend.
• Maintain all PM schedules and customer documents; use the database when appropriate.
• Translate customer requirements into achievable program plans; inform customers in writing when milestones are at risk and provide recovery plans.
• Ensure program meets cost targets for each build event and cost recovery for changes.
• Manage pre-production build events, timelines, material orders, trackers and sample requests.
• Manage engineering change process, tracking quoting, PI, EO, tool completion, and plant readiness.
• Develop plans and track APQP/PPAP information.
• Adhere to and promote quality certification processes.
• Resolve cross-functional issues with timely, fact-based decisions; maintain team stability and engage PM management as required.
• Provide risk assessments and countermeasures early to allow PM management to act.
• Maintain active interface with OEM and Tier 1 customers and suppliers.
• Visit customer locations during milestones; some travel to Mexico and locally.
• Contribute to PM department improvements through special projects and targeted goals.
• Drive closure of cost savings and PIP projects annually.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Microsoft Office

Project management tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Business

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Project management tools

Job description

Piston Interiors is seeking a Program Manager to lead automotive interior programs from award through launch and production. You will be the primary liaison between the customer, cross-functional teams, and manufacturing operations to ensure successful execution of program objectives related to quality, cost, timing, and profitability.

The role requires strong PM skills, experience with APQP/PPAP, and collaboration with OEM customers such as Ford and Stellantis.