Program Manager

Eaton; Kings Mountain (NC); On-site; USD 113,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health benefits

Job summary

Eaton’s Kings Mountain plant in North Carolina seeks a Program Manager to lead operations-driven programs, including capacity, equipment, and NPD/STP new launches. You’ll partner with cross-functional teams to align projects with goals and drive performance across the plant.

Relocation assistance is available; the role requires 3+ years in program management, engineering, or manufacturing, and a strong Lean/Six Sigma background.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering and 3+ years in program management or manufacturing.
• Experience with automotive industry and lean six sigma.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant programs and projects focused on operations.
• Manage capacity, equipment, and NPD/STP projects.
• Coordinate with functional teams and leadership updates.
• Drive continuous improvement and ECIS/EBS compliance.

Skills

Program management

Communication

Problem solving

Lean Sigma

Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

MBA

Tools

Microsoft Project

Minitab

AutoCAD

Job description

Eaton’s IS VEH VGNA division is currently seeking a Program Manager. The position will be based at our Kings Mountain, NC location. We are offering relocation assistance for the position.The expected annual salary range for this role is $113000 - $165000 a year.Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.Eaton announced, on June 11, 2026, the intent to combine its Mobility Group (including both the Vehicle and eMobility segments) with a new company. We expect to complete this process by the end of the first half of 2027. The compensation and benefits that will initially be offered for this position are based on Eaton's plans, programs and practices. If you are offered and accept this position and are actively employed by the Mobility Group when the transaction closes, the new company will provide further details to employees concerning compensation and benefits at that time.The program manager will be part of the Eaton plant in Kings Mountain, NC. This person will be leading plant programs/projects with primary focus on Operations. Program management includes managing capacity, equipment, and new product launches, implementing, and ensuring the successful execution of the processes for new product introduction and/or process development in the Kings Mountain plant. This includes interface with the customer as well as interaction with all functional groups internal and external within the company.Lead, develop and coordinate the execution of manufacturing projects in the Kings Mountain facility. Manage the plant project portfolio and provide project recommendations to operational leaders. The position will work closely with functional leaders for alignment to projects and performance to goals. Project status updates to be provided to leadership. This role will be required to identify team resources, goals and objectives, performance metrics and a project road map which aligns with the expectations from the organization. Project scope may consist of PROLaunch NPD (new launches) & STP (restructuring) projects, cost improvement, capex management, automation and execution of regional manufacturing strategies. Support continuous improvement while utilizing the framework of the Eaton Business System (EBS) and the Eaton Continuous Improvement System (ECIS).What you’ll do:Essential Functions:• Develop and communicate project scope, cadence, and deliverables. Develop appropriate work plans (PROLaunch or Change Management) to ensure objectives are met and the plant is capable to support the project requirements in quality and capacity perspectives.• Align new equipment &/or product launches with all functions and drive the execution to meet customer, cost, quality, and timing requirements.• Maintain the plant manufacturing project portfolio• Identify key projects which support key operational factors and/or improvement objectives• Maintain key project performance tracking including leading and lagging indicators• Ensure the promotion and awareness of customer requirements throughout the organization.• Coordinate financial and technical analysis reviews of all manufacturing projects• Communicate project status to leadership• Seeks team (internal & external) input to promote rapid resolution to issues. Coaches and provides feedback/rewards on project performance indicators.• Facilitate manufacturing councils when applicable• Provide support to all project teams to assure successful completion of projects• Establish and standardize processes across the Kings Mountain operation• Create and lead development plans for self and others within the organization to ensure technical expertise in plants; provides training and guidance on PROLaunch tools & requirements to site• Drive implementation of best practices & continuous improvements projects, including automation and I4.0 projects.• Developed and support processes that drive world class quality• Comfortable in discussing financials with various levels of leadership• Must work consistently to maintain safe and healthy working conditions, to adhere to proper operating practices and procedures designed to prevent injury and illness and to observe Federal, State, local, and overall regional company safety and health regulations. Must reflect an interest in company safety and health objectives and required to set a good example by always observing the rules as a part of the normal work routine.Qualifications:Basic qualifications:Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.Minimum 3 years of experience in program management, engineering, operations or manufacturing requiredEaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc.Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from an accredited institutionMinimum 3+ years of experience in the Automotive IndustryMaster’s Degree in Business (MBA)Project Management Institute (PMI) accreditation (PMP)Experience working with global teamsExperience with lean, six sigma, and/or continuous improvementExperience in product &/or process design & developmentKnowledge and application of (Eaton) Business System tools for successful project completionKnowledge and experience with the (Eaton’s) PRO-Launch processSkills:Position Criteria:Proficient in Program and Project Management methodologies, processes, and toolsExcellent communication skills – both verbal and written with ability to effectively communicate to internal & external customers & leadershipDemonstrated strong problem solving, Passion & Motivational skillsTechnical Skills:• Strong Six Sigma skills• Software skills in Microsoft project• Software skills in Mini tab• Software skills in AutoCad• Lean Manufacturing Training• Experiences (Kaizen Events)• Experience with Mfg. Documents (PFMEA/DFM)• Clear understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)• Demonstrated good problem-solving skills• Manufacturing experience (machining, assembly, automation)All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates’ privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.