Automotive Program Lead – APQP & Launch

TOTAL Deutschland GmbH; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Generous PTO

Global opportunities

Equal employment opportunity

Job summary

Hutchinson in the United States recruits a Senior Program Manager to lead assigned automotive programs across the full lifecycle, from RFQ and feasibility through launch readiness and production ramp.

You will drive cross-functional collaboration, set objectives, govern deliverables, manage schedule and cost, and communicate milestones to customers and internal teams in English. This role requires strong leadership without direct supervision and a track record in APQP/PPAP processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years in automotive product development, manufacturing, or program management.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams with APQP/PPAP and launch processes.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specs, costs, and program data.
• Fluent English communication, written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle programs from RFQ to post-launch handoff.
• Establish objectives, scope, deliverables and governance with cross-functional teams.
• Lead program reviews and gate reviews, with risk, cost, and schedule management.
• Serve as primary customer interface and coordinate cross-functional communications.
• Maintain integrated master timeline and escalation paths.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Facilitation

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Stakeholder management

Excellent communication

Problem solving

Financial awareness

Global collaboration

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

APQP/PPAP knowledge

automotive launch experience

Tools

Microsoft O365

Excel

PowerPoint

MS Project

ERP

PLM

Quality systems

Job description

Hutchinson in the United States recruits a Senior Program Manager to lead assigned automotive programs across the full lifecycle, from RFQ and feasibility through launch readiness and production ramp.

You will drive cross-functional collaboration, set objectives, govern deliverables, manage schedule and cost, and communicate milestones to customers and internal teams in English. This role requires strong leadership without direct supervision and a track record in APQP/PPAP processes.