Program Manager

Top Echelon LLC; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Echelon LLC is seeking a Program Manager with automotive program management experience to lead cross-functional teams in delivering complex programs in a matrix environment.

You will manage scope, schedule, budget, and quality, drive risk management, and ensure on-time launches at customer sites and on production floors. Willingness to travel up to 25% is required. Bachelor's degree in engineering or a technical field is required; PMP is a plus.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or technical field.
• 4–9 years of program/project management experience.
• Strong MS 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 comprehensive project plans including scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, resources and communications.
• Manage scope, schedule and cost changes using formal processes and track performance against KPIs.
• Coordinate with procurement and manufacturing to ensure on-time delivery and launch readiness.

Skills

Project management

Financial acumen

Negotiation

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or technical field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

MS Project

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