Program Manager

Xecutive Recruitment Inc.; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Xecutive Recruitment Inc. in Detroit seeks a Program Manager to lead Ford customer programs and drive successful planning, execution and launches.

You will interact with Ford as the primary interface and coordinate across cross-functional teams to ensure on-time, on-budget, high-quality delivery while meeting Ford requirements. This on-site role requires strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP and IATF 16949, plus the ability to travel within the Detroit metro area as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of program/project management experience in automotive.
• Experience managing OEM customer programs, ideally with Ford.
• Willingness to travel within Detroit metro area and beyond as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional program teams from RFQ/award through production launch.
• Develop and drive program timing, budgets, risk plans, and open issues.
• Serve as primary Ford contact; manage meetings, status, changes, and relationships.
• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales, and Finance.
• Ensure compliance with APQP, PPAP, and IATF 16949 processes.
• Identify and resolve issues; drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Prepare and present status updates to leadership and Ford stakeholders.
• Support launch readiness reviews and post-launch monitoring.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of PM processes and tools.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Customer-facing

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

APQP

PPAP

IATF 16949

MS Office Suite

Job description

Company: #1 market share leader globally in their product area.

Position Summary

The Program Manager is responsible for the successful planning, execution, and launch of Ford customer programs. This role serves as the primary customer interface and internal program leader to ensure on-time, on-budget, high-quality delivery while meeting all Ford-specific requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional program teams from RFQ/award through production launch and continuous improvement for Ford programs.
• Develop, maintain, and drive program timing plans, budgets, open issues lists, and risk mitigation plans.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with Ford; manage customer meetings, status reporting, change management, and relationship development.
• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales, and Finance (U.S. and global sites as needed).
• Ensure compliance with Ford-specific requirements, APQP, PPAP, and IATF 16949 processes.
• Identify and resolve program issues promptly, driving root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Prepare and present program status updates to internal leadership and Ford stakeholders.
• Support launch readiness reviews, gate reviews, and post-launch performance monitoring.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of program management processes and tools.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (4-year degree) in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of program/project management experience in the automotive industry, preferably with Tier 1 suppliers.
• Demonstrated experience managing OEM customer programs, ideally with Ford.
• Strong working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and automotive product launch processes.
• Excellent communication, organization, problem-solving, and customer-facing skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and program management tools.
• Ability to travel as required within the Detroit metro area and occasionally to customer or plant locations.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Green Card holder.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with anti-vibration systems, rubber products, or chassis/NVH components.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credentials.

This position is based in the Detroit metroplex and requires regular on-site presence to support Ford program activities and cross-functional collaboration.