Customer Program Manager - Automotive

8574 Laird Technologies Inc (Us); Chesterfield (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Qnity is seeking an experienced Customer Program Manager – Automotive to lead cross‑functional teams through the development and launch of automotive products. You will drive milestones, manage priorities, and ensure programs meet customer, quality, safety, and business requirements.

You will serve as the primary commercial interface with customers, coordinating with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations to move products from concept to production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sales or relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience coordinating cross‑functional technical or engineering teams.
• Understanding of the processes and functional relationships required to move a product from design and development into production.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project milestones, competing priorities, schedules, and cost targets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, time‑management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to succeed in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency with common business and project‑management software.
• Ability to support collaboration with domestic and international teams across multiple time zones.

Responsibilities

• Define, develop, and manage program plans, milestones, priorities, and deliverables.
• Lead cross‑functional product development and project teams involving multiple engineering disciplines.
• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, and other functions to ensure program requirements are achieved.
• Drive programs from product development through production and launch.
• Monitor program schedules, risks, dependencies, and overall execution.
• Manage program cost targets established by senior leadership.
• Set priorities and provide direction across multiple concurrent projects or programs.
• Serve as the primary commercial interface with customers throughout the program lifecycle.
• Facilitate program reviews, cross‑functional meetings, and customer communications.
• Identify potential program risks and coordinate actions to keep projects on schedule and aligned with customer expectations.
• Ensure activities comply with established quality and safety systems and standards.
• Coordinate effectively with domestic and international stakeholders across multiple time zones.

Skills

Cross-functional coordination

Project management

Communication skills

Time management

Problem solving

Organizational skills

PM software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Sales or related field

Tools

Project-management software

Job description

Are you looking to power the next leap in the exciting world of advanced electronics? Do you want to help solve problems that drive success in the rapidly evolving technology and connectivity landscape? Then bring your problem‑solving, passion, and creativity to help us power the next leap in electronics. At Qnity, we’re more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and high‑tech industries – we’re a tight‑knit team that is motivated by new possibilities, and always up for a challenge. All our dedicated teams contribute to making cutting‑edge technology possible. We value forward‑thinking challengers, boundary‑pushers, and diverse perspectives across all our departments, because we know we play a critical role in the world enabling faster progress for all. Learn how you can start or jump‑start your career with us.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Customer Program Manager – Automotive to lead cross‑functional teams through the development and launch of automotive products and programs. In this role, you will manage projects from planning and product development through production, serving as the key link between the customer and internal Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, and other functional teams. You will be responsible for driving milestones, managing priorities, monitoring program costs, and ensuring projects meet customer, quality, safety, and business requirements. Please note: Sponsorship is not available now or in the future for this opportunity.

What You’ll Do

• Define, develop, and manage program plans, milestones, priorities, and deliverables.
• Lead cross‑functional product development and project teams involving multiple engineering disciplines.
• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, and other functions to ensure program requirements are achieved.
• Drive programs from product development through production and launch.
• Monitor program schedules, risks, dependencies, and overall execution.
• Manage program cost targets established by senior leadership.
• Set priorities and provide direction across multiple concurrent projects or programs.
• Serve as the primary commercial interface with customers throughout the program lifecycle.
• Facilitate program reviews, cross‑functional meetings, and customer communications.
• Identify potential program risks and coordinate actions to keep projects on schedule and aligned with customer expectations.
• Ensure activities comply with established quality and safety systems and standards.
• Coordinate effectively with domestic and international stakeholders across multiple time zones.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sales or relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience coordinating cross‑functional technical or engineering teams.
• Understanding of the processes and functional relationships required to move a product from design and development into production.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project milestones, competing priorities, schedules, and cost targets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, time‑management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to succeed in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency with common business and project‑management software.
• Ability to support collaboration with domestic and international teams across multiple time zones.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within the automotive industry or supporting automotive customers and product‑development programs.
• Experience with manufacturing processes and production environments.
• Previous experience leading complex cross‑functional product‑development programs.
• Previous leadership or managerial experience.
• PMP, PMI, or related project/program management certification.
• Experience managing multiple product‑development programs simultaneously.
• Experience working directly with commercial customers throughout product development and launch.

#LI-AP1 Join our Talent Community to stay connected with us! Qnity is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information. Qnity offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page. We use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance our recruitment process. Join a global leader making tomorrow’s technologies possible, from AI to advanced computing and beyond. Here, your ideas spark innovation, your curiosity drives progress, and your journey powers the next leap in electronics. Qnity is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our