Program Manager

Magna International, Inc.; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Powertrain is seeking a Program Manager to own end-to-end program ownership from award through production, leading global cross-functional teams to meet timing, quality, and cost objectives. You will coordinate customer communications and ensure alignment with Magna processes while driving business results across multiple programs.

The role requires a strong technical background in powertrain systems and a proven record of cross-functional leadership in the automotive sector, with a focus

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; technical/engineering preferred.
• 5–10 years of program management experience in the automotive industry.
• Strong technical background in powertrain systems and components.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams across the product lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage assigned programs across the full product lifecycle, including quoting, development, launch, and production.
• Lead multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams to meet timing, quality, cost and customer satisfaction goals.
• Establish and monitor top-level program plans with milestones and resource needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers on assigned programs and lead communications.
• Build strong customer relationships and represent Magna Powertrain professionally.
• Support new program acquisition activities, including quotations and business case reviews.
• Drive lessons‑learned analyses for awarded and lost opportunities.
• Deliver results meeting Magna expectations for timing, quality, and financial performance.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

Powertrain knowledge

Customer liaison

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job descriptions may display in multiple languages based on your language selection.

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: Transforming mobility. Making automotive technology that is smarter, cleaner, safer and lighter. That's what we're passionate about at Magna Powertrain, and we do it by creating world-class powertrain systems. We are a premier supplier for the global automotive industry with full capabilities in design, development, testing and manufacturing of complex powertrain systems. Our name stands for quality, environmental consciousness, and safety. Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility at Magna Powertrain.

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 elevate 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 systemsElectrification products and componentsCapability to oversee and review BOMs and manufacturing plansSolid 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.

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 Powertrain