Program Manager

Aspire Talent Solutions; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire Talent Solutions seeks a Program Manager to lead automotive programs, coordinating cross-functional teams to meet SOW, timing, cost, and quality targets.

The role requires managing initiatives in a matrix environment with structured processes; travel up to 25% is expected to support manufacturing and supplier engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or technical field.
• 4–9 years of program/project management experience.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Word).
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver programs meeting SOW, timing, cost, and quality requirements.
• Develop and baseline project plans with scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, resources, and communication.
• Track performance against timeline, budget, and KPIs; manage changes.
• Coordinate with procurement and manufacturing to ensure on-time delivery.
• Close projects with stakeholder acceptance and lessons learned.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Communication

Leadership

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or technical field

PMP certification (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Program Manager

*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
• Develop comprehensive project plans (scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, resources, communication)
• 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
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Word)
• Ability to travel up to 25%

Core Skills & Expertise

• Project management (scope, cost, timing, risk, quality)
• 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

Leadership & Competencies

• 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

Work Environment

• 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