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 inquiry through production launch, coordinating engineering, production, procurement, and quality teams to meet delivery, cost, and quality objectives.

The role acts as the main customer liaison, develops detailed project timelines, tracks milestones and risks, manages ECRs, supports quoting with BOMs and timing plans, and ensures program profitability while maintaining thorough documentation.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of program or project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of wire harness manufacturing processes and assembly methods.
• Experience with OEM or Tier 1 customers is a plus.
• Proficient in project management software and ERP systems.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage wire harness programs from initial 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.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business or related field

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