Hands-On Product Development Program Lead

J.B. Poindexter & Co; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

JB Poindexter & Co in Michigan seeks a hands-on Program Manager with 3–5 years of experience in product development and launches. This role leads cross-functional programs from concept to production with full ownership of schedule, budget, and customer execution.

Ideal candidates have automotive or commercial vehicle experience, strong execution discipline, and clear communication. We offer a dynamic, project-based environment that bridges engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and suppliers

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, sciences, manufacturing, business, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in program or project management in product development or manufacturing.
• Experience managing full product development lifecycles through launch.
• Experience working in cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills in customer-facing environments.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent programs in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development programs from concept through production launch and business unit handoff.
• Own program schedule, budget, risks, deliverables, and cross-functional alignment.
• Develop and maintain integrated project plans, milestones, and launch readiness tracking.
• Ensure alignment between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and supplier execution.
• Drive design maturity, validation activities, and launch readiness with BU engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Serve as primary customer interface for program status, commitments, issue resolution, and escalation.
• Lead customer reviews and cross-functional program gate reviews.
• Coordinate with purchasing, suppliers, and internal stakeholders for tooling, parts, and production readiness.
• Manage engineering changes (ECR/ECN) and maintain program alignment with cost, timing, and customer expectations.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to schedule, technical execution, quality, and supply chain readiness.
• Document program decisions, actions, and change management.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

MS Project

Power BI

Power Apps

Job description

JB Poindexter & Co in Michigan seeks a hands-on Program Manager with 3–5 years of experience in product development and launches. This role leads cross-functional programs from concept to production with full ownership of schedule, budget, and customer execution.

Ideal candidates have automotive or commercial vehicle experience, strong execution discipline, and clear communication. We offer a dynamic, project-based environment that bridges engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and suppliers