Program Manager

Kendrick Plastics Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick Plastics Inc. in Grand Rapids, Michigan is seeking a Program Manager to oversee multiple automotive manufacturing programs, ensuring they meet strategic goals, budgets, and schedules while aligning resources.

You will lead cross‑functional teams, develop proposals to secure funding, manage risks, and drive continuous improvement to deliver complex programs on time and within scope. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least five years of program or

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program or project management within the automotive manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience managing budgets and resources for complex programs.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in proposal development and securing program funding.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor program plans, schedules, and budgets using existing tools.
• Coordinate and manage resources across multiple projects to ensure efficient utilization and timely delivery.
• Communicate program status, risks, and issues effectively to senior management and project teams.
• Support crisis management efforts by identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies to minimize program disruptions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, production, and business administration to align program objectives and deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with manufacturing standards, safety regulations, and company policies throughout the program lifecycle.

Skills

Budget management

Program management

Proposal development

Communication skills

Resource management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Kendrick Plastics is a Tier 1.5 automotive supplier — built to move fast, think smart, and deliver results. We sit at the sweet spot between large Tier 1s and traditional Tier 2s, giving customers the best of both worlds: full-service capabilities with small-company speed and attention. Our products are on some of the best-selling vehicles in North America, and our team brings decades of experience in engineering, manufacturing, and operations.

We’re built differently — faster, leaner, and designed to win. If you’re the kind of person who takes ownership, solves problems with urgency, and wants to see the impact of your work every day, you’ll thrive here. Kendrick is a place where people grow quickly, are trusted to lead, and work alongside others who care just as much as they do.

About The Role

The Program Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating multiple projects to ensure alignment with organizational goals and strategic objectives. This role requires managing budgets, resources, and timelines effectively to deliver programs on schedule and within financial constraints. The Program Manager will lead cross-functional teams, facilitate communication among stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize program outcomes. They will also develop and present proposals to secure necessary approvals and funding, ensuring all program activities comply with company policies and goals. Ultimately, the Program Manager plays a critical role in supporting the successful execution of complex manufacturing programs that contribute to the company’s growth and operational excellence.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program or project management within the automotive manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience managing budgets and resources for complex programs.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in proposal development and securing program funding.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor program plans, schedules, and budgets using existing tools.
• Coordinate and manage resources across multiple projects to ensure efficient utilization and timely delivery.
• Communicate program status, risks, and issues effectively to senior management and project teams.
• Support crisis management efforts by identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies to minimize program disruptions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, production, and business administration to align program objectives and deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with manufacturing standards, safety regulations, and company policies throughout the program lifecycle.

Skills

The required skills such as budget management and program management are essential for planning and controlling program finances and schedules to ensure successful delivery. Proposal development skills enable the Program Manager to create compelling program plans and secure necessary approvals and resources. Written and oral communication skills are critical for effectively conveying program status, risks, and outcomes to diverse stakeholders. Support programs and business administration skills facilitate collaboration across departments and ensure alignment with organizational objectives. Additionally, proficiency in resource management tools allows the Program Manager to track progress, allocate resources efficiently, and respond proactively to any challenges or crises that arise during program execution.