Program Manager – Automotive

SCN - Search Consulting Network; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and short‑/in

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off and holidays

401(k) with 5% match and immediate v**

Work directly with OEM customers

Job summary

SCN - Search Consulting Network is seeking an experienced Program Manager in Michigan to lead automotive programs from development through launch and ongoing improvement. This hands-on role requires Tier 1 automotive experience and direct OEM collaboration with cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, finance, and more.

You will manage schedules, cost, and profitability while guiding program reviews, risk mitigation, and continuous improvements during launches and

Qualifications

• 6+ years of automotive or relevant program management experience.
• Current Tier 1 automotive program management experience is required.
• Direct OEM customer experience is a must.
• GM or Ford customer experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of APQP, gated product development, and automotive launch processes.
• Understanding of manufacturing and assembly operations.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including program cost and profitability management.
• Excellent customer communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Ability to travel regionally up to 25% during launch periods.
• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, product development, or equivalent relevant professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead automotive programs through an APQP-based, gated Product Development Process (PDP).
• Serve as the primary program contact for OEM customers, ensuring expectations and deliverables are met.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, finance, and other functional areas.
• Develop and maintain program schedules, statements of work, and business plans.
• Drive program performance related to timing, quality, cost, profitability, and launch objectives.
• Lead customer communication, program reviews, and leadership gate reviews.
• Identify risks, resolve issues, and elevate concerns to keep programs on track.
• Support new product introductions, product improvements, and strategic business initiatives.

Skills

Program management

APQP

OEM customer management

Cross-functional leadership

Cost & profitability management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related field

Job description

An established automotive supplier is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead customer-facing programs from product development through launch and continuous improvement.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on program leader with current Tier 1 automotive experience who understands OEM expectations, cross-functional execution, and the demands of delivering successful automotive programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead automotive programs through an APQP-based, gated Product Development Process (PDP).
• Serve as the primary program contact for OEM customers, ensuring expectations and deliverables are met.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, finance, and other functional areas.
• Develop and maintain program schedules, statements of work, and business plans.
• Drive program performance related to timing, quality, cost, profitability, and launch objectives.
• Lead customer communication, program reviews, and leadership gate reviews.
• Identify risks, resolve issues, and elevate concerns to keep programs on track.
• Support new product introductions, product improvements, and strategic business initiatives.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of automotive or relevant program management experience.
• Current Tier 1 automotive program management experience is required.
• Direct OEM customer experience is a must.
• GM or Ford customer experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of APQP, gated product development, and automotive launch processes.
• Understanding of manufacturing and assembly operations.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including program cost and profitability management.
• Excellent customer communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Ability to travel regionally up to 25% during launch periods.
• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, product development, or equivalent relevant professional experience.

What’s Offered

• Competitive compensation and short-term incentive opportunities.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits beginning on day one.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• 401(k) with company match up to 5% and immediate vesting.
• Opportunity to lead important automotive programs and work directly with OEM customers.