Automotive Program Lead - Customer Launch

Xecutive Recruitment Inc.; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Xecutive Recruitment Inc. in Detroit seeks a Program Manager to lead Ford customer programs and drive successful planning, execution and launches.

You will interact with Ford as the primary interface and coordinate across cross-functional teams to ensure on-time, on-budget, high-quality delivery while meeting Ford requirements. This on-site role requires strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP and IATF 16949, plus the ability to travel within the Detroit metro area as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of program/project management experience in automotive.
• Experience managing OEM customer programs, ideally with Ford.
• Willingness to travel within Detroit metro area and beyond as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional program teams from RFQ/award through production launch.
• Develop and drive program timing, budgets, risk plans, and open issues.
• Serve as primary Ford contact; manage meetings, status, changes, and relationships.
• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales, and Finance.
• Ensure compliance with APQP, PPAP, and IATF 16949 processes.
• Identify and resolve issues; drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Prepare and present status updates to leadership and Ford stakeholders.
• Support launch readiness reviews and post-launch monitoring.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of PM processes and tools.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Customer-facing

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

APQP

PPAP

IATF 16949

MS Office Suite

Job description

Xecutive Recruitment Inc. in Detroit seeks a Program Manager to lead Ford customer programs and drive successful planning, execution and launches.

You will interact with Ford as the primary interface and coordinate across cross-functional teams to ensure on-time, on-budget, high-quality delivery while meeting Ford requirements. This on-site role requires strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP and IATF 16949, plus the ability to travel within the Detroit metro area as needed.