Automotive Program Lead: Global Launch & KPIs

002451 Vibracoustic USA Inc.; South Haven (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Freudenberg is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead automotive programs from award through launch and serial production. You will ensure alignment with customer requirements, manage cross‑functional teams, and drive timing plans to achieve critical deadlines.

The role requires 5+ years in program or project management within automotive manufacturing, with APQP knowledge and strong stakeholder management. Global collaboration and cost tracking are core aspects of the position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, supply chain, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years in Program/Project Management or automotive development environments.
• PMI PMP or equivalent certification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, product launch processes and automotive quality standards.
• Experience with KPI tracking, risk management and customer communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned automotive programs from award through launch and serial production.
• Manage program activities per Vibracoustic APQP standards to ensure milestones and on-time execution.
• Develop and drive program timing plans to hit deadlines and launch targets.
• Monitor performance using KPI tracking, risk management, and issue escalation.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Launch.
• Support commercial goals via project cost tracking, budgeting and cost calculations for new business.
• Drive launch readiness across regional and global teams for smooth industrialization and customer launches.
• Identify and mitigate program risks with clear communication to stakeholders and customers.
• Ensure deliverables meet customer expectations, quality requirements and financial targets.

Skills

Program Management

APQP knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

PMP Certification

Job description

Freudenberg is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead automotive programs from award through launch and serial production. You will ensure alignment with customer requirements, manage cross‑functional teams, and drive timing plans to achieve critical deadlines.

The role requires 5+ years in program or project management within automotive manufacturing, with APQP knowledge and strong stakeholder management. Global collaboration and cost tracking are core aspects of the position.