Automotive Program Manager – Launch & Cross‑Functional Lead

Challenge Mfg. Company LLC; Walker, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking a Program Manager to lead cross-functional teams through the product launch lifecycle at our Walker, MI facility. You will report program status to the executive team, develop KPIs, and drive on-time, on-budget launches for automotive components.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in automotive environments, 5+ years in program management, and a proven track record of delivering complex stamping and welding programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years of automotive industry experience, preferably in stamping, welding, or assembly operations.
• Minimum of five years’ experience as a program manager.
• Experience leading and mentoring a team.
• Experience with estimating complex stamping and welding processes.
• Track record of launching large scale programs on time and under budget.
• Experience with APQP, PAPP, PFMEA, Control Plans and GD&T.
• Experience with GM and Honda tier-1 programs.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Project and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Provide program leadership and drive all aspects of program launch.
• Lead a cross-functional team to bring product design to production.
• Ensure customer deliverables and program timing are met.
• Communicate status to executive leadership with KPI dashboards.
• Establish and maintain program files and issues/timelines.
• Facilitate lessons-learned sessions after each launch.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Team mentoring

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Engineering degree (Mechanical / Electrical / Industrial)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project

Job description

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking a Program Manager to lead cross-functional teams through the product launch lifecycle at our Walker, MI facility. You will report program status to the executive team, develop KPIs, and drive on-time, on-budget launches for automotive components.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in automotive environments, 5+ years in program management, and a proven track record of delivering complex stamping and welding programs.