Program Manager

freudenberg; South Haven (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Freudenberg Group in the United States seeks a seasoned Program Manager to lead automotive programs from award to launch and serial production. You’ll manage cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure milestones and launch targets are met.

The role requires 5+ years in automotive program management, strong APQP knowledge, and a PMP-style mindset for risk and KPI driven delivery. Join a global team committed to quality and customer success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, supply chain, or related field.
• 5+ years in program/project management in automotive manufacturing.
• PM certification (PMP) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of APQP and automotive quality standards.
• Experience with schedules, budgets, KPIs, and customer communications.
• Excellent analytical and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead automotive programs from award to launch and serial production.
• Manage program activities per APQP standards to ensure milestones.
• Develop and drive program timing plans to meet deadlines.
• Monitor performance via KPI tracking, risk management, and issue escalation.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, SCM, Purchasing, Launch.
• Support commercial objectives through project cost tracking and budgeting.
• Coordinate cost calculations for new business opportunities.
• Drive launch readiness across regional and global teams.
• Identify and mitigate program risks; communicate with stakeholders and customers.
• Ensure deliverables meet customer expectations, quality, and financial targets.

Skills

APQP knowledge

Launch processes

Program management

Stakeholder mgmt

KPI tracking

Cross-functional

Budget management

Risk mitigation

PMP preferred

Analytical skills

Auto manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Responsibilities:

• Lead assigned automotive programs from award through launch and serial production, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and business objectives.
• Manage all program activities in accordance with Vibracoustic APQP standards, ensuring milestone quality, deliverable completion, and on‑time program execution.
• Develop, maintain, and drive program timing plans to ensure critical deadlines and launch targets are achieved.
• Monitor program performance through KPI tracking, risk management, issue resolution, and escalation management.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Launch Management to ensure successful program delivery.
• Support commercial objectives through project cost tracking, budget management, and coordination of cost calculations for new business opportunities.
• Drive launch readiness activities across regional and global teams, ensuring smooth product industrialization and customer launches.
• Identify and proactively mitigate program risks while maintaining effective communication with internal stakeholders and customers.
• Ensure all program deliverables meet customer expectations, quality requirements, and financial targets.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in Program Management, Project Management, Product Development, Business Development, or a related automotive manufacturing environment.
• Project Management certification (PMP or equivalent) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, product launch processes, and automotive quality standards.
• Experience managing program schedules, budgets, KPIs, risk mitigation, and customer‑facing communications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem‑solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, global automotive environment while managing multiple priorities.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Vibracoustic USA Inc.