Program Manager

Challenge Manufacturing; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP program

Employee-owned culture

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing seeks a seasoned Program Manager to lead automotive launches from design to production. You will report to the executive team, manage scope, cost, and schedule, and drive cross-functional collaboration with engineering, quality, and launch teams.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in automotive programs, strong APQP and PFMEA knowledge, and proficiency with MS Office and MS Project. A Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering is preferred, with ESOP as a core benefit.

Qualifications

• 10+ years automotive program management experience.
• Experience with APQP, PFMEA, and GD&T.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and launch complex programs.
• Strong planning skills to minimize risk and ensure on-time delivery.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Report program status, timing, quality and cost KPIs to executive team.
• Lead a cross-functional team to bring product design to production.
• Drive all aspects of program launch and ensure customer deliverables.
• Establish and maintain program files, scope changes, and risk mitigations.
• Facilitate lessons-learned sessions to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

KPI development

Risk management

Customer liaison

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Word

Job description

Who We Are: Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!Who We Want:The Program Manager acts in a leadership capacity to ensure that all aspects of the program management launch process meet internal and external customer requirements.What You’ll Do:Reporting level program status updates to the executive team. Including timing, quality and cost KPI’sDevelop effective KPI’s to monitor teams launch status and performance.Provide project leadership and drive all aspects of program launchLead a cross functional team to bring product design to productionServe as key customer contact for engineering, quality and launch teamsEnsure customer deliverables and program timing are metEstablish and maintain an open issue report and timelineEstablish and maintain program files and retain in an orderly mannerFacilitate and manage scope change activityMinimize project risk and inform Management appropriatelyFacilitates lessons-learned session at the conclusion of the launch as part of continuous improvementWhat You Need to Have:Minimum of ten years’ experience in the automotive industry, preferably in stamping, welding, or assembly operations.Minimum of five years’ of experience as a program managerMinimum of five years’ of experience leading and mentoring a team.Experience with estimating complex stamping and welding processes.A proven track record of successfully launching large scale program on time and under budget.Extensive experience with APQP, PAPP, PFMEA, Control Plans and GD&TExperience with launching programs for GM and Honda as a tier 1Experience with GM’s Mini-Match, MRD, MCR and PPAP processExperience with Honda’s NMR processExperience with Microsoft Office and Project requiredBachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Controls, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering preferredHas high standards of performance for self.Takes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes.Is thorough, accurate, and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of work.Takes positive action to objectively resolve conflict by listening, staying focused on issue to find resolution, and monitoring progress.Maintains positive relationships by constructively resolving conflicts.Uses feedback from others to continuously improve performance and work relationships.Moves within own and/or other work areas (flexes) to support plant flow.Works with sense of urgency to meet needs of customers.Has necessary experience, skills, and knowledge to perform all aspects of job; rotates through all job responsibilities.Maintains knowledge and skills to perform job effectively.Has ability to focus on benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive/objective manner; views change as learning opportunity.Looks for good in others; works collaboratively with others; shares information and knowledge.Is at work when scheduled and ensures coverage when absent; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses time wisely.Knowledge of manufacturing processes including machining, welding, fabrication and assemblyBasic competency in MS Word, Excel, Project and PowerPoint requiredExcellent communication skills, both verbal and writtenCoordination and planning skills (Project Management)Strong leadership and interpersonal skills are required.