Program Manager

Expert Connections; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm based in South Carolina seeks a Program Manager to drive customer programs from launch to production. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in the automotive manufacturing sector and strong skills in project management, customer coordination, and budget oversight. This role emphasizes leadership in cross-functional teams, ensuring technical specifications and timelines are met. Competitive candidates will excel in communication, conflict resolution, and detail orientation, contributing to program success and stability.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• 5 years in tooling, machining, or related engineering disciplines preferred.
• Experience working directly with customers and external suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead customer programs and engineering changes from launch to production.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between teams and customers.
• Prepare and monitor project budgets as well as track costs.

Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Interpersonal skills

Ability to manage priorities

Strong listening skills

Organized and detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Technical degree

Journeyman trades background

Job description

The Program Manager is responsible for leading new customer programs and customer-requested engineering changes from initial launch through stable production. This role ensures projects meet defined technical requirements, timelines, and budgets while coordinating cross-functional teams, customers, and suppliers. The Program Manager remains engaged beyond production launch to support ramp-up and achieve targeted production rates.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Project Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of contact between internal teams, customers, and suppliers throughout the program lifecycle
• Develop, maintain, and manage detailed project timelines from program kickoff through post-launch support
• Assemble and lead cross-functional project teams, ensuring accountability and progress against milestones
• Drive projects to meet technical specifications, timing commitments, and approved budgets

Customer & Commercial Coordination

• Support commercial discussions related to product changes and scope adjustments
• Coordinate engineering changes with customers and internal stakeholders from both a technical and commercial perspective
• Actively manage day-to-day communication with customers to resolve issues and maintain alignment

Financial & Reporting Oversight

• Prepare, submit, and monitor project budgets
• Coordinate customer and supplier invoicing in collaboration with finance
• Track program costs and provide regular status, progress, and budget reports to leadership

Launch & Operational Support

• Lead APQP activities and support successful program launches
• Remain involved post-launch to ensure production stability and achievement of quoted run rates
• Coordinate internal departments and suppliers to resolve launch and production issues

Process & Documentation

• Maintain accurate project data, including bills of material, part numbers, material certifications, and costing information
• Facilitate and lead internal and external meetings with customers and suppliers
• Ensure documentation, reporting, and project records are kept current and accurate

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in automotive manufacturing environment
• Preferred 5 years experience in tooling, machining, or related engineering disciplines
• Proven experience working directly with customers and external suppliers

Education & Training

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or
• Technical degree or
• Journeyman trades background with completion of a minimum 2,000-hour apprenticeship

Skills & Competencies

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and general computer applications
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including written and verbal communication
• Strong listening skills and the ability to navigate conflict and drive resolution
• Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working under pressure