Program Manager

Unifrax I LLC; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Unifrax I LLC in Michigan is seeking a Program Manager - Battery responsible for leading new product launch programs from the initial request through production. You will manage a cross-functional team, ensuring alignment with timelines and customer requirements.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of program management experience, preferable in Tier 1 automotive environments. Strong communication skills and proficiency in program management tools are essential. The role includes 25% travel to customer locations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Program Management.
• Experience with APQP processes required.
• Proven ability to manage ambiguity and prioritize tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional program team and define team objectives.
• Develop and monitor timelines for project deliverables.
• Liaise with customer program teams for feedback on scope changes.

Skills

Program Management

Cross-functional team management

Communication

Proficient in MS Project

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree

Tools

MS Project

SharePoint

Job description

Program Manager - Battery

The Program Manager - Battery is responsible for leading new product launch programs in all aspects, from program award or "Request for Quotation" in some cases, until after Start of Production. In this key role, the Program Manager works closely with the customer and various internal teams to coordinate design, development, validation, industrialization, commissioning, launch, and startup of new products.

Objectives of the Role

• Manage and coordinate a cross-functional program team (R&D, Sales, Finance, Purchasing, Quality, Operations, SIOPs, Engineering) and define team members’ objectives and assignments
• Develop, execute, and monitor timelines that align with customer deliverable dates and internal milestones
• Act as a liaison with the customer program and engineering team to capture scope changes and provide feedback on impacts to financials (price, capital, tooling) and timing
• Drive alignment to industry standard requirements including AIAG APQP, IATF 16949, and ISO 9001
• Facilitate periodic Product and Program Reviews with customer teams detailing timeline status, critical-path migration, program risks and mitigations, and other critical topics
• Work with internal team to proactively identify product risks and develop mitigation plans to ensure launch success
• Manage internal capital acquisition requests, budgeting, and spending to deliver the project on time, at or under budget
• Ensure smooth transfer of the product and process to the Operations team, facilitating a "turnkey" ready-to-run process with a product that meets Alkegen and customer requirements
• Facilitate regular Product & Program Reviews to the management team detailing timeline status, critical-path migration, program risks and mitigations, and financial status

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities needed

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline (master’s degree is a plus)
• At least 5 years of strong experience in Program Management
• 3 to 5 years of experience in Program and/or Product Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or other technical disciplines
• Proficient in program management methodology and software (MS Project, SharePoint, etc.)
• Highly effective cross-functional team management
• Proven ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, high-growth, rapidly changing environment
• Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and persuasively to executive leadership
• Previous experience working with Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 automotive suppliers is required, with a strong preference for candidates coming directly from a Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment.
• Experience with glass and ceramic fibers preferred
• Experience with APQP processes required
• Experience with IATF 16949/ISO 9001 requirements required
• Exceptional writing and editing skills combined with strong presentation and public speaking skills

Estimated travel: 25% required to customer locations and R&D/Manufacturing Sites (Detroit Metro and Buffalo, NY).

Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class.