Program Manager

Magna International; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna International's Mechatronics, Mirrors & Lighting group is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead cross‑functional teams through concept to launch. You will own program objectives, manage budget, schedule, and risk, and drive customer satisfaction while ensuring profitable execution across engineering, quality, purchasing and manufacturing.

This role requires strong leadership, financial acumen, and a proven track record in automotive programs, with the ability to coordinate

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent with a minimum of six years experience in the automotive industry.
• Strong leadership abilities in managing multiple programs from concept through launch.
• Ability to develop long-term technical strategies/plans and manage budgets.

Responsibilities

• Provides expert technical and financial leadership for cross‑functional program teams.
• Manages program objectives for cost, quality and delivery during launch.
• Develops and achieves program objectives; ensures customer requirements are met and profitability is maximized.
• Maintains customer relationships and communicates issues and risks to stakeholders.
• Documents and monitors program objectives via PMP, reviews, and readiness assessments.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Financial acumen

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Advanced degree (preferred)

Job description

What we offer:

At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry‑leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.

Group Summary:

The Mechatronics, Mirrors and Lighting group specializes in automotive technologies that are driving the future of mobility. Combining a deep systems knowledge to develop unique vehicle access experiences, intelligent visions systems and advanced automotive lighting technologies, MML’s expertise light the path to innovation, safety and styling.

Job Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides expert technical and financial leadership in coordinating, facilitating, motivating, and directing efforts of cross‑functional program teams. Ensures efficient use of team resources. Is responsible for the total design, as well as the program. Is responsible for overall technical and financial performance for programs during the launch phase. Develops and achieves program objectives in the areas of cost, quality, delivery. Ensures countermeasures are initiated to correct unfavorable variances per Program Management Processes (PMP). Works with internal and external resources to maintain strong customer relationships with dedication to customer program schedules. Participates in continuous improvement efforts. Performs other duties and supervises or provides work direction to other staff.

KEY FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsibility for overall program technical and financial issues.
• Provides expert technical and financial leadership in coordinating, facilitating, motivating, and directing efforts of cross‑functional program teams including individuals from Engineering, Sales, Product Development, Quality, Purchasing and Manufacturing. Ensures efficient use of team resources.
• Gains support for and develops program objectives/deliverables. Ensures full team participation and that all groups involved understand all the demands for the successful launch of a program. Objectives include timing, engineering support, cost, quality and delivery. Ensures customer and Company requirements are met. Ensures that the profitability of the program is maximized throughout the program launch. Leads the communication of all issues and responsibilities both within the Company and to the customer. Technical and financial objectives are clearly documented and cascaded to each functional area.
• Works with internal and external resources to maintain strong customer relationships with dedication to customer program schedules. Demonstrates expertise, in all customer systems as required, to support programs in launch. Ensures countermeasures are initiated to correct unfavorable variances by communicating alternative measures to the customer, which may be used to solve engineering problems. Ensures the success of the future production of the programs in the launch phase.
• Documents and monitors program objectives per PMP by mean of open issue lists, milestone reviews, and launch (manufacturing) readiness reviews. Demonstrates expertise in all Magna systems required for launching programs. (PDP/PMP, LRR, CR, CN and others).
• Participates in continuous improvement efforts of PDP/PMP processes to support world class launches.
• Performs other duties as necessary for completion of projects and achievement of goals. Supervises and/or provides work direction to other staff.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Level III

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent with a minimum of six years experience in the automotive industry required.
• Demonstrated superior leadership abilities in managing multiple programs to meet goals (quality, cost and delivery of programs) from concept through launch in coordination with internal and external contacts. Demonstrated strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills to prioritize, coordinate projects, manage conflicting needs based on large sales volume and/or strategic importance, and deal with many issues at one time.
• Demonstrated ability to work on long‑term assignments, broad in nature, using a high level of originality and ingenuity. Must be able to develop long‑term technical strategies/plans to meet future business needs and growth opportunities.
• Demonstrated financial skills to prepare budgets, develop and understand financial aspects of program deliverables, quote new business, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate others through support, training, etc. towards departmental goals.
• Demonstrated ability to thoroughly research, recommend, and oversee implementation of new products, materials, processes, etc. and present information to support world class product launches.

Level IV (in addition to above requirements)

• Minimum ten years experience in engineering or project/program management or equivalent. Must have complete mastery of respective field.
• Must be able to manage and take responsibility for critical programs based on large sales volume and/or strategic importance. Must be able to work independently with substantial latitude for unreviewed action or decision.
• Demonstrated strong financial skills to understand, develop, analyze, and communicate project financial measures and their effect on customer programs.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That’s why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI‑Assisted Screening Disclosure

As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.

Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision‑making.

If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.

Worker Type

Regular / Permanent

Group

Magna Mechatronics, Mirrors & Lighting