Program Manager

KSM Electronics Inc.; Warrenville (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

KSM Electronics Inc. in Warrenville, IL is seeking a Program Manager to lead wire harness programs from concept through production, coordinating engineering, production, procurement and quality teams to meet delivery, quality and cost goals.

You will act as the primary liaison between customers and internal departments, manage timelines and budgets, handle ECRs, and support quoting activities while maintaining thorough program documentation and ongoing customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field.
• 3+ years PM experience in manufacturing, automotive or wire harness.
• Strong knowledge of wire harness manufacturing processes.
• Experience with OEM or Tier 1 customers is a plus.
• Excellent PM, organizational and multitasking skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Lead wire harness programs from inquiry through production launch and lifecycle support.
• Serve as main liaison between customers and internal departments.
• Develop and maintain detailed project timelines and deliverables.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to meet program objectives.
• Track performance, address risks and keep schedules and budgets.
• Manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and production updates.
• Support quoting with cost estimates, BOMs, and timing plans.
• Ensure compliance with specs, standards, and quality systems.
• Monitor profitability and identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Prepare program updates and performance metrics for leadership and customers.
• Support launch activities and initial production runs.
• Maintain thorough program documentation and communications.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Multitasking

Technical drawing interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business

Tools

Microsoft Project

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

The Program Manager leads cross-functional teams to deliver wire harness programs from concept through production, ensuring on-time delivery and meeting quality and cost objectives. This role acts as the primary point of contact between the customer and internal departments, coordinating engineering, production, procurement, and quality teams to execute program requirements and support ongoing customer satisfaction.

***Please note that, due to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) requirements, this position is limited to U.S. persons, defined as U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders).***

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage wire harness programs from initial customer inquiry through production launch and lifecycle support.
• Serve as the main liaison between customers and internal departments, ensuring clear communication of requirements, timelines, and changes.
• Develop and maintain detailed project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, production, quality, and supply chain to ensure program objectives are met.
• Track program performance and proactively address risks, delays, and resource constraints to keep programs on schedule and within budget.
• Manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and ensure timely implementation into production.
• Support quoting activities by working closely with sales and engineering to provide cost estimates, BOMs, and timing plans.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications, industry standards, and internal quality systems.
• Monitor program profitability and identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Prepare and present program updates, status reports, and performance metrics to internal leadership and customers.
• Support launch activities and initial production runs to ensure quality and meet delivery targets.
• Maintain thorough documentation of all program-related activities, communications, and decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of program or project management experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in automotive or wire harness production.
• Strong understanding of wire harness manufacturing processes, components, and assembly methods.
• Experience working with OEM or Tier 1 customers is a plus.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Proficient in project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Excel, ERP systems).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and customers.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality, cost control, and timely delivery.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and harness schematics is a plus