Automotive Program Lead: Launch & APQP Excellence

freudenberg; South Haven (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Freudenberg Group in the United States seeks a seasoned Program Manager to lead automotive programs from award to launch and serial production. You’ll manage cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure milestones and launch targets are met.

The role requires 5+ years in automotive program management, strong APQP knowledge, and a PMP-style mindset for risk and KPI driven delivery. Join a global team committed to quality and customer success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, supply chain, or related field.
• 5+ years in program/project management in automotive manufacturing.
• PM certification (PMP) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of APQP and automotive quality standards.
• Experience with schedules, budgets, KPIs, and customer communications.
• Excellent analytical and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead automotive programs from award to launch and serial production.
• Manage program activities per APQP standards to ensure milestones.
• Develop and drive program timing plans to meet deadlines.
• Monitor performance via KPI tracking, risk management, and issue escalation.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, SCM, Purchasing, Launch.
• Support commercial objectives through project cost tracking and budgeting.
• Coordinate cost calculations for new business opportunities.
• Drive launch readiness across regional and global teams.
• Identify and mitigate program risks; communicate with stakeholders and customers.
• Ensure deliverables meet customer expectations, quality, and financial targets.

Skills

APQP knowledge

Launch processes

Program management

Stakeholder mgmt

KPI tracking

Cross-functional

Budget management

Risk mitigation

PMP preferred

Analytical skills

Auto manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Freudenberg Group in the United States seeks a seasoned Program Manager to lead automotive programs from award to launch and serial production. You’ll manage cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure milestones and launch targets are met.

The role requires 5+ years in automotive program management, strong APQP knowledge, and a PMP-style mindset for risk and KPI driven delivery. Join a global team committed to quality and customer success.