Program Launch Manager

Magna International; Muncie (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Powertrain seeks a seasoned Manager, Program Management to lead a team responsible for delivering automotive programs from quoting through production and end-of-life. You will coordinate with engineering, operations, sales, and finance to meet customer objectives while maintaining GPMS compliance.

The role requires strong leadership, deep program management expertise, and a track record of profitable launches in a global automotive setting. On-site in Indiana with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field; Master's preferred.
• Minimum 8–10 years in automotive program management or related technical leadership roles.
• 3–5 years of leadership experience managing Program Managers or cross-functional teams.
• Strong technical background in automotive systems, manufacturing, launch management.
• Experience managing complex customer programs from acquisition through production.
• Strong financial acumen with program budgets and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and coaching to Program Managers and staff.
• Set objectives and development plans for team members.
• Promote accountability and continuous improvement across the PM group.
• Oversee program execution from quoting to production and end-of-life.
• Ensure adherence to GPMS and customer requirements.
• Lead reviews with executives and steering committees.
• Coordinate resources to ensure timely, on-budget launches.
• Monitor program health, risks, and customer satisfaction.
• Support strategic planning and growth initiatives.
• Maintain executive-level customer relationships.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Financial analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

Job descriptions may display in multiple languages based on your language selection.

What We Offer

At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.

Group Summary

Transforming mobility. Making automotive technology that is smarter, cleaner, safer and lighter. That's what we're passionate about at Magna Powertrain, and we do it by creating world-class powertrain systems. We are a premier supplier for the global automotive industry with full capabilities in design, development, testing and manufacturing of complex powertrain systems. Our name stands for quality, environmental consciousness, and safety. Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility at Magna Powertrain.

Job Responsibilities

Scope of Position

• The Manager, Program Management provides strategic and technical leadership to the Program Management function and is responsible for overseeing the successful execution of customer programs throughout the entire product lifecycle. This role leads a team of Program Managers, ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer requirements and Magna standards.
• The Manager, Program Management drives operational excellence by developing program management capabilities, standardizing processes, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. The position serves as a key liaison between customers, executive leadership, engineering, operations, sales, purchasing, quality, and finance to ensure alignment of business objectives and successful program execution.
• Primary objectives include ensuring profitable program launches and sustained production performance, strengthening customer relationships, enhancing program management processes and systems, and developing a high-performing Program Management team that consistently delivers results exceeding customer and organizational expectations.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, Program Management, or related field required. Master's Degree preferred.
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in automotive program management, product development, operations, or related technical leadership roles.
• Minimum 3-5 years of leadership experience managing Program Managers or cross-functional teams.
• Strong technical background with knowledge of automotive systems, manufacturing processes, product development, and launch management.
• Demonstrated success managing complex customer programs from acquisition through production.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing program budgets, profitability, business cases, and commercial negotiations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and familiarity with program management, ERP, and customer systems.
• Thorough understanding of APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949, launch management, and automotive customer requirements.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills.

Job Specific Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management to Program Managers and associated personnel.
• Establish clear objectives, priorities, and development plans for Program Management team members.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer focus.
• Ensure adequate succession planning, cross-training, and capability development within the Program Management organization.
• Oversee program execution across all phases of the product lifecycle, from acquisition and quoting through production and end-of-life activities.
• Ensure adherence to Magna's Global Program Management System (GPMS) and customer-specific requirements.
• Review program timing, financial performance, resource allocation, risk assessments, and escalation plans.
• Lead management reviews and steering committee meetings for critical programs and strategic customer initiatives.
• Ensure successful launches by coordinating resources and removing barriers impacting program objectives.
• Monitor program health metrics and proactively address risks related to timing, quality, cost, capacity, and customer satisfaction.
• Research, recommend, and lead implementation of enhancements to program management processes, products, tools, and systems.
• Develop and implement best practices to improve program execution, launch performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
• Analyze trends, lessons learned, and performance data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Support strategic business planning activities and long-term growth initiatives.
• Maintain executive-level customer relationships and support Program Managers in resolving critical customer concerns.
• Participate in strategic customer reviews, negotiations, and escalation activities.
• Ensure quotations and business cases align with company profitability objectives and strategic goals.
• Support contract reviews, change management activities, claims management, and commercial negotiations throughout program life cycles.
• Partner with Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Finance, and Operations to ensure alignment and execution of business objectives.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to support successful product launches and production performance.
• Facilitate resolution of complex technical, commercial, operational, and customer issues.
• Compliance & Operational Excellence
• Support and adhere to policies, procedures, and operational guidelines related to the Quality Management System (IATF 16949), customer requirements, and EH&S standards.
• Ensure MAFACT standards are planned and implemented within areas of responsibility to support world-class manufacturing.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, ISO, ANSI, and all applicable legislative requirements.
• Prepare and present program performance updates to executive leadership.
• Lead strategic initiatives supporting customer growth, operational excellence, and organizational effectiveness.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure

As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.

Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making.

If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.

Worker Type

Regular / Permanent

Group

Magna Powertrain