Customer-Centric Automotive Program Manager

Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG; Auburn Hills, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Life insurance

401k with company match

Company vehicle

Employee events

Job summary

Schaeffler is a global technology company seeking a Program Manager I to manage projects with automotive and industrial customers. You will own customer relationships, lead cross-functional teams, and guide projects from quoting through serial production.

The role requires 5+ years in PM, strong communication, and travel up to 25%. We offer competitive benefits, a robust CAPCO/APQP framework, and opportunities for development within a private, global company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in program or project management in manufacturing, automotive, or complex tech industries.
• Proven experience in a direct customer-facing role, with demonstrated success in negotiation and relationship building.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of project financials including budgeting, cost tracking, and profitability.
• Exceptional leadership with ability to lead through influence in a cross-functional, matrixed environment.
• Expert-level communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with enterprise project management software (MS Project, Jira, Planisware).
• Proven track record of leading projects from quoting to serial production.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Responsibilities

• Manage one or more projects with internal and external customers.
• Own the strategic customer relationship and main point of contact for all program matters.
• Lead technical reviews with the customer and present information or delegate to SMEs.
• Ensure delivery of projects including milestones, gateways, and resources.
• Monitor TCQ, derive corrective actions for deviations or claims.
• Lead project team functionally and coordinate external providers and stakeholders.
• Pursue and secure new business by shaping responses to RFIs and RFQs.
• Own CAPCO processes, audits, and customer APQP activities.
• Develop and manage the project budget and track costs for financial discipline.
• Oversee end-to-end change management for product and project mods.
• Manage high/medium risk prototype deviations and lead escalation meetings.
• Be the central communication hub for all technical and timing communications with the customer.

Job description

Schaeffler is a global technology company seeking a Program Manager I to manage projects with automotive and industrial customers. You will own customer relationships, lead cross-functional teams, and guide projects from quoting through serial production.

The role requires 5+ years in PM, strong communication, and travel up to 25%. We offer competitive benefits, a robust CAPCO/APQP framework, and opportunities for development within a private, global company.