Automotive Program Manager: Lead Launch & Cost Control

Focus; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Focus in Auburn, Alabama seeks a results-driven Project Manager to direct automotive manufacturing programs from initiation through production launch. You will oversee program scheduling, financial management, supplier sourcing, and cross-functional team coordination to ensure milestones, cost targets, and quality standards are met.

In this role you will lead governance, supplier relationships, APQP/PPAP oversight, cost engineering, and regular status reviews with customers, while driving value

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5+ years in project management with hands-on operations.
• Experience with APQP, Stage-Gate, and PPAP processes.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and resolve conflicts.

Responsibilities

• Direct program planning, scheduling, and financial control to meet milestones and margins.
• Oversee RFQ creation, supplier negotiations, and sourcing decisions.
• Initiate and monitor APQP, vendor production readiness reviews, PPAP submissions.
• Drive VA/VE and cost-reduction initiatives with engineering and supply chain.
• Serve as technical and financial liaison to customers and manage status reviews.
• Track KPIs with plant management, quality, manufacturing, and logistics.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Management, or related field

MBA or PMI/PMP certification (preferred)

Tools

APQP

Stage-Gate

PPAP

Job description

Focus in Auburn, Alabama seeks a results-driven Project Manager to direct automotive manufacturing programs from initiation through production launch. You will oversee program scheduling, financial management, supplier sourcing, and cross-functional team coordination to ensure milestones, cost targets, and quality standards are met.

In this role you will lead governance, supplier relationships, APQP/PPAP oversight, cost engineering, and regular status reviews with customers, while driving value