Program Manager

Creative Liquid Coatings; Kendallville (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Creative Liquid Coatings is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead cross-functional program management activities for new product launches and engineering changes across all locations. You will provide leadership to the APQP team, align projects with customer requirements, and drive program execution through disciplined planning and risk management.

The role requires strong manufacturing process knowledge, the ability to read blueprints and GD&T, and travel up to 20% domestically and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field required; equivalent experience considered.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, and production launch activities.
• Experience in automotive or regulated manufacturing environments preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and GD&T.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead APQP Team and own program management activities for new product launches and engineering changes across all CLC locations.
• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and oversight to APQP team.
• Develop departmental goals, objectives, and performance metrics aligned with company strategy.
• Monitor program performance using timelines, open-issue tracking, and phase-gate reviews.
• Ensure customer requirements are clearly defined, documented, and executed throughout program lifecycles.
• Participate in business development activities, supporting technical feasibility, timelines, and launch planning.
• Oversee tooling, equipment builds, and production readiness activities in coordination with Engineering and Operations.
• Ensure creation and maintenance of production support documentation, data collection plans, and control documentation.
• Direct the development and revision of Process Control Plans, PFMEAs, and related quality documentation.
• Support vendor selection for tooling, equipment, and production materials; develop and communicate supplier requirements.
• Ensure appropriate stock levels for spare parts and production material support items.
• Identify risks related to quality, cost, timing, and capacity; develop mitigation plans.
• Drive continuous improvement by researching, recommending, and implementing enhancements to products, processes, and programs.
• Establish area goals supporting production performance and strategic initiatives.
• Develop, document, and improve manufacturing, production, and quality processes.
• Revise and enforce standard operating and work practices; verify compliance through observation and review.
• Apply statistical techniques to evaluate and improve process capability.
• Read and interpret GD&T and technical drawings as required.
• Support environmental, health, and safety initiatives within manufacturing environments.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA/IOSHA and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Program management

Analytical problem solving

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

The Program Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating cross-functional program management activities to support successful new product launches, engineering changes, and ongoing customer programs across all facilities. Program Manager provides leadership, ensures alignment with customer requirements, and drives program execution through disciplined planning, risk management, and continuous improvement practices.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead APQP Team and own program management activities for new product launches and engineering changes across all CLC locations.
• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and oversight to APQP team.
• Develop departmental goals, objectives, and performance metrics aligned with company strategy.
• Monitor program performance using timelines, open‑issue tracking, and phase‑gate reviews.
• Ensure customer requirements are clearly defined, documented, and executed throughout program lifecycles.
• Participate in business development activities, supporting technical feasibility, timelines, and launch planning.
• Oversee tooling, equipment builds, and production readiness activities in coordination with Engineering and Operations.
• Ensure creation and maintenance of production support documentation, data collection plans, and control documentation.
• Direct the development and revision of Process Control Plans, PFMEAs, and related quality documentation.
• Support vendor selection for tooling, equipment, and production materials; develop and communicate supplier requirements.
• Ensure appropriate stock levels for spare parts and production material support items.
• Identify risks related to quality, cost, timing, and capacity; develop mitigation plans.
• Drive continuous improvement by researching, recommending, and implementing enhancements to products, processes, and programs.
• Establish area goals supporting production performance and strategic initiatives.
• Develop, document, and improve manufacturing, production, and quality processes.
• Revise and enforce standard operating and work practices; verify compliance through observation and review.
• Apply statistical techniques to evaluate and improve process capability.
• Read and interpret GD&T and technical drawings as required.
• Support environmental, health, and safety initiatives within manufacturing environments.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA/IOSHA and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Operate in accordance with established RASIC (Responsible, Accountable, Supportive, Informed, Consulted) assignments, accepting accountability where designated and ensuring clarity of ownership, decision authority, and escalation paths.

This role is expected to operate in accordance with the established RASIC (Responsible, Accountable, Support, Informed, Consulted) chart to ensure clear ownership, collaboration, and accountability.

Skill and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field required; equivalent experience considered.
• Ford Experience is Strongly Preferred
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing cross‑functional teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, and production launch activities.
• Experience with automotive or regulated manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and GD&T.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard office software, documentation systems, and project‑tracking tools.
• Ability to work effectively across departments and with customers and suppliers.
• Ability to travel up to 20% domestically within the United States and internationally, as required. A valid, up to date passport is required and must be maintained at all times.

Work is performed in office and manufacturing environments.

Occasional exposure to fumes, chemicals, and temperature variations.

Noise levels are generally low to moderate.

Standard work schedule is 8–10 hours per day, five days per week.

Travel may be required for customer meetings, suppliers, or other CLC locations, including short‑notice domestic or international travel.

Must follow all company safety policies when working in manufacturing areas.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Authority

Authority to lead and prioritize program management activities.

Authority to assign work and set expectations for Program Managers.

Authority to approve program timelines, deliverables, and documentation within approved guidelines.

Authority to elevate program risks and recommend corrective actions.

Authority to represent Program Management in cross‑functional and customer discussions.