The Program Manager serves as the primary point of contact for assigned customers and is responsible for the successful execution of customer programs from quotation handoff through new product introduction (NPI), production, and ongoing account support. This position acts as the liaison between the customer and Fabcon's Sales, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Customer Service teams to ensure customer expectations are met regarding quality, delivery, cost, and communication.
The Program Manager is responsible for driving program execution, managing customer expectations, resolving issues proactively, and ensuring programs remain on schedule while maintaining strong customer relationships.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary customer contact for assigned programs throughout the product lifecycle.
- Lead new product introductions (NPI) from customer award through production launch.
- Coordinate activities across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Customer Service, and Sales.
- Develop and maintain project schedules, action plans, and milestone tracking.
- Monitor program status and proactively communicate progress, risks, and recovery plans.
- Lead internal and customer meetings and ensure timely follow-up on action items.
- Manage customer expectations regarding schedules, engineering changes, delivery commitments, and product readiness.
- Coordinate engineering changes (ECOs) and customer revisions.
- Partner with Operations to monitor production schedules and resolve issues impacting quality or on-time delivery.
- Work closely with Purchasing and Supply Chain to mitigate material shortages and supply chain risks.
- Escalate issues early and coordinate cross-functional resources.
- Support quoting activities with program requirements and manufacturing considerations.
- Review customer contracts and commercial requirements.
- Maintain key program metrics including schedule adherence, on-time delivery, quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Support customer visits, business reviews, audits, and quarterly business reviews (QBRs).
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance customer satisfaction and operational performance.
- Build and maintain strong customer relationships through proactive communication.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of Program Management or Project Management experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience supporting OEM customers in sheet metal fabrication, precision machining, electromechanical assembly, or contract manufacturing preferred.
- Experience managing multiple customer programs simultaneously.
- Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) and production launches.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production scheduling, and supply chain management.
- Experience with ERP systems; Global Shop experience is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Leadership and cross-functional team coordination.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage customer escalations professionally.
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Project.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation preferred.
This position requires regular interaction with customers and cross-functional teams throughout Fabcon's manufacturing operations. The Program Manager will routinely participate in customer meetings, production reviews, and facility tours while maintaining a strong presence on the manufacturing floor to ensure successful program execution.