Program Manager

Keystone Distinction Group; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive company in Holland, Michigan is seeking a Program Manager with strong automotive program management experience. Responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams, managing project schedules, and ensuring quality standards are met. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in engineering and 4-9 years of management experience. Strong Microsoft Office skills and the ability to travel up to 25% are also required. This role may involve hands-on involvement in manufacturing activities.

Qualifications

• 4–9 years of program/project management experience.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• Experience with new product launches and gated development processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver programs successfully.
• Manage project schedules and coordinate resources.
• Implement change management and risk mitigation strategies.

Skills

Project management

Financial acumen

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or technical field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft 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