Program Manager

Magna International; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Safety benefits

Diverse work environment

Employee support programs

Job summary

Magna International is seeking a Program Manager in Troy, Michigan to oversee end-to-end program ownership throughout the product lifecycle. This role involves leading cross-functional teams to deliver customer programs, ensuring alignment with Magna's objectives and processes.

The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree and 5-10 years of relevant experience in the automotive industry, with strong program management skills and the ability to foster positive customer relationships.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of program management experience in automotive.
• Proficiency in managing complex programs across multiple phases.
• Ability to coach and develop project managers.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives.
• Manage the full product lifecycle, from quoting to production.
• Build strong customer relationships and communicate program status.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Automotive systems knowledge

Communication skills

Technical understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Mission of the Position:
The Program Manager (PM) is responsible for end‑to‑end program ownership throughout the complete product lifecycle – from program award through end of production. This role leads cross‑functional, global teams to deliver customer programs that meet or exceed timing, quality, and financial objectives, while serving as the primary interface between customers, internal stakeholders, and suppliers.

The Program Manager plays a critical role in customer acquisition for new business, program execution, and sustained production performance, ensuring alignment with Magna Powertrain processes, standards, and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage assigned programs across the full product lifecycle, including quoting, program award, development, supplier selection, launch, series production, post‑production performance, and lessons learned, in alignment with the Magna Powertrains Product Delivery Process.
• Lead and coordinate multi‑disciplinary, cross‑functional teams to achieve program objectives related to timing, quality, cost, and customer satisfaction.
• Establish, maintain, and monitor top‑level program plans, including customer milestones, internal deliverables, and resource requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers on assigned programs, leading all program‑related communications.
• Build strong customer relationships and represent Magna Powertrain with professionalism, accountability, and transparency.
• Support customer acquisition activities for new programs, including preparation of quotations, business case reviews, and contract reviews for awarded business.
• Participate in lessons‑learned analyses for both awarded and lost business opportunities.
• Deliver business results that meet or exceed Magna expectations for awarded programs, with clear accountability for timing, quality, and financial performance.
• Regularly communicate program status, risks, and mitigation plans to internal teams and management steering committees.
• Coordinate and monitor program documentation, schedules, technical performance, budgets (including expenses, tooling, and capital), quality deliverables, and production readiness.
• Proactively manage risks, implement countermeasures, and escalate issues when required.
• Lead the global Change Management process, ensuring alignment to design, specifications, cost, and timing commitments.
• Manage the Series Production phase, including claims management, change execution, continuous improvement initiatives, VA/VE activities, and ongoing commercial negotiations.
• Ensure sufficient resources are planned and allocated to support quality, safety, and cybersecurity objectives.
• Ensure programs are executed in accordance with Magna Powertrain Global Program Management System (GPMS) requirements.
• Maintain working knowledge of safety policies and regulations and ensure all program activities are performed in a safe manner.
• Approve internal and customer program milestones.
• Approve program development and production costs within defined limits.
• Approve Engineering (E) and Manufacturing (M) gate reviews.
• Communicate and negotiate cost, timing, and scope constraints with customers and suppliers in alignment with Sales and Purchasing.
• Actively support and drive achievement of approved business case objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, or equivalent experience (three additional years of relevant technical experience in lieu of a degree). A technical or engineering degree is strongly preferred.
• Must possess a combined 5‑10 years of program management experience along with a verifiable record of results in both disciplines within the automotive industry.
• Strong technical background that may include knowledge of powertrain systems & components (Including 4WD/AWD, fluid pressure & controls, stampings & castings) and a good understanding of cross‑functional responsibilities.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex programs across multiple phases of the product lifecycle.
• Experience coaching or developing project and/or program managers is preferred.
• Must possess moderately advanced usage of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, & PowerPoint); must be/become proficient in company & customer systems.
• Previous experience in a plant operations role or environment is preferred.
• Strong technical foundation, with exposure to one or more of the following areas:
  • Technical understanding of complex automotive systems
  • Electrification products and components
  • Capability to oversee and review BOMs and manufacturing plans
  • Solid understanding of automotive product development processes and cross‑functional engineering practices.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder‑management skills, with the ability to drive results in a global environment.

Magna Standards

• Practice and maintain integrity while following Magna’s Charter and Constitution.
• Follow Magna’s Code of Conduct and Ethics and related compliance policies.
• Supports and adheres to policies, procedures, and operational guidelines related to established quality management system (IATF 16949).
• Drive the development of new technologies to improve quality, efficiency and reduce cost.
• Comply with safety policies and procedures to ensure duties of self are performed in a safe manner.
• Health & Safety responsibilities:
  • Understand applicable Environmental, Health & Safety policies and procedures in the workplace.
  • Report unsafe conditions immediately.
  • Report injuries, accidents, illnesses, near misses, property damage immediately.
  • Follow safety rules.
  • Comply with requirements for the use or operation of machines or equipment.
  • Comply with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Create a positive work environment by demonstrating and sharing functional/technical knowledge.
• Develop and maintain a responsive and cooperative working relationship with internal and external customers.
• Treat everyone with dignity, trust and respect.
• Complete additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Work Environment

Office environment: 25% Travel required to customer offices & production locations, Magna production locations, etc.
While working in this environment, the employee will be exposed to machinery, moving equipment and material, moderate noise, airborne particles, fumes, and various levels of temperature created by manufacturing processes.

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.

Worker Type

Regular / Permanent

Group

Magna Powertrain