Program Manager

RNInk; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruiters' Network Inc. is seeking an experienced Automotive Program Manager in Holland, Michigan. This role leads cross-functional teams to ensure successful program delivery by adhering to customer Statement of Work (SOW), budget, and quality metrics. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 4–9 years of program management experience.

The ideal candidate is self-driven, has strong negotiation and communication skills, and is capable of working with stakeholders at all levels. The position may require up to 25% travel and hands-on involvement in manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• 4–9 years of program/project management experience.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a matrix environment.

Responsibilities

• Leads cross-functional teams to deliver programs meeting SOW, timing, cost, and quality requirements.
• Manages project feasibility and defines project scope and deliverables.
• Tracks project performance and communicates status to stakeholders.
• Ensures on-time delivery and conducts lessons learned reviews.

Skills

Financial acumen and budgeting oversight

Strong negotiation skills

Customer and supplier relationship management

Strong organizational skills

Effective communication

Problem-solving skills

Ability to manage ambiguity

Hands-on involvement in manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or technical field

Job description

*Must Have Automotive Program Management Experience*

Role Overview

Leads cross-functional teams to successfully deliver programs by meeting customer Statement of Work (SOW), timing, cost, and quality requirements. Manages projects in a matrix environment using structured processes and standard project management tools.

Key Responsibilities

Project Initiation & Planning

• Assess project feasibility with stakeholders using historical data and risk analysis
• Define project scope, deliverables, risks, and assumptions
• Build and baseline project schedules with cross‑functional alignment and leadership approval
• Lead project kick‑off and establish stakeholder communication plans

Execution

• Manage cross‑functional teams and allocate resources to meet project goals
• Execute project plans, ensuring alignment with quality and safety standards
• Implement change management and risk mitigation strategies
• Drive team performance through leadership, coaching, and collaboration

Monitoring & Controlling

• Track project performance against timeline, budget, and KPIs
• Manage scope, schedule, and cost changes using formal processes
• Identify variances, implement corrective actions, and communicate status to stakeholders
• Ensure on‑time delivery through coordination with procurement and manufacturing
• Capture and apply lessons learned for continuous improvement

Project Closure

• Ensure all deliverables and launch requirements are completed
• Obtain final stakeholder acceptance of project outcomes
• Conduct lessons learned reviews and archive project documentation
• Transition program ownership to manufacturing/operations teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or technical field
• 4–9 years of program/project management experience
• Ability to travel up to 25%

Core Skills & Expertise

• Financial acumen and budgeting oversight
• Experience with new product launches and gated development processes
• Customer and supplier relationship management
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and communication skills
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams in a matrix environment
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills
• Effective communicator with stakeholders at all levels
• Self‑driven with ability to manage ambiguity
• High ethical standards and commitment to safety
• Skilled in stakeholder alignment and consensus building
• Hands‑on involvement in manufacturing and launch activities
• Ability to work on production floor and at customer locations
• Capable of lifting up to 35 lbs

Preferred Certification

• PMP (Project Management Professional) – completed or in progress