Global Automotive Program Leader

Tenneco; Plymouth (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenneco is seeking a Program Manager to lead customer and internal programs from quotation through launch and production, ensuring safety, timing, delivery, and financial performance. You’ll coordinate between customers, suppliers, plants, and teams to drive accountability and successful outcomes.

You will champion Tenneco’s project management methodology, lead phase-gate reviews, and promote a disciplined, results-oriented approach across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field.
• MBA preferred.
• PMP/PMI certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of program or project management experience in manufacturing or automotive.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex customer-facing programs.
• Knowledge of phase-gate program management methodologies, tools, and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned programs through all program phases and gate reviews from award through launch and production.
• Ensure achievement of program objectives related to safety, timing, delivery, quality, cost, and financial performance.
• Serve as the primary communication and coordination point between customers, suppliers, plants, and cross-functional teams.
• Develop, maintain, and execute comprehensive timing plans to support successful program launches and customer milestones.
• Lead regular program review meetings, customer reviews, and phase-gate reviews.
• Identify program risks early, develop mitigation plans, and escalation of critical issues through appropriate management channels.
• Manage program scope changes, including customer-directed changes, and ensure proper evaluation and approvals.
• Conduct trade-off analysis balancing timing, cost, quality, scope, and resource requirements.
• Monitor and report program status, financial performance, risks, and key deliverables to leadership.
• Support achievement of financial targets through business case validation, cost management, and execution of financial roadmaps.
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Finance, Sales, and Supply Chain teams to achieve program objectives.
• Support sourcing and supplier readiness activities, including PPAP, APQP, and launch readiness requirements.
• Conduct plant, supplier, and customer visits as necessary to verify readiness and resolve issues.
• Manage resources for assigned programs and provide portfolio oversight when applicable.
• Promote continuous improvement, accountability, organizational velocity, and customer-focused execution.
• Support development and utilization of program management processes, systems, and best practices.
• Provide training, coaching, and guidance on program management methodologies and business processes when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Microsoft Project

APQP/PPAP knowledge

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business

MBA

PMP or PMI certification

Tools

Microsoft Project

APQP

PPAP

Job description

Tenneco is seeking a Program Manager to lead customer and internal programs from quotation through launch and production, ensuring safety, timing, delivery, and financial performance. You’ll coordinate between customers, suppliers, plants, and teams to drive accountability and successful outcomes.

You will champion Tenneco’s project management methodology, lead phase-gate reviews, and promote a disciplined, results-oriented approach across the organization.