Program Manager - Custom Automation

HS Inc. Automation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

HS Inc. Automation in Grand Rapids, MI, seeks a seasoned Program Manager to lead automation projects from kickoff to customer acceptance. You will coordinate cross-functional teams, manage schedules and budgets, and ensure quality and timely delivery while maintaining thorough documentation.

The role requires strong communication, organizational skills, and a proactive approach to risk management, with a focus on customer satisfaction and continuous process improvement in an ISO 9001 environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 5+ years program/project management in manufacturing or automation.
• Strong technical aptitude or business background.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Project.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Strong customer service and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and budget expectations.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts across engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, sales, and customers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer communications throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate detailed project schedules and milestones.
• Coordinate project activities to ensure on-time delivery within quality and budget objectives.
• Ensure engineering designs contain required information and documentation before release.
• Track and document engineering changes throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide customers with weekly status updates and timelines.
• Identify risks, delays, or issues and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain project documentation and ensure ISO 9001 compliance.

Skills

Project Management

Cross-Functional Leadership

Communication

Time Management

Problem Solving

Customer Focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project

Job description

Position Summary

The Program Manager is responsible for leading automation projects from project kickoff through customer acceptance. This position serves as the primary liaison between customers and internal teams, ensuring projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and meet quality expectations. The Program Manager coordinates cross‑functional efforts, manages project documentation and schedules, communicates project status, and proactively resolves issues throughout the project lifecycle.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and budget expectations.
• Demonstrate strong time management, organization, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Promote and maintain a safe work environment while following all company safety policies.
• Collaborate effectively with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, sales, and customers to ensure successful project execution.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer communications throughout the project lifecycle.
• Obtain project scope and requirements from the Sales team during project handoff.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate detailed project schedules and milestone tracking.
• Coordinate project activities to ensure on‑time delivery while meeting quality and budget objectives.
• Ensure engineering designs contain all required information, components, and documentation before release.
• Track and document engineering changes throughout the project lifecycle.
• Communicate design changes requiring additional scope or cost to the Sales team for quotation.
• Provide customers with weekly project status updates and schedule timelines.
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify risks, delays, or potential issues while implementing corrective actions.
• Coordinate machine runoff activities and verify machine performance prior to customer runoff and acceptance.
• Ensure customer sample requirements are met and produced according to approved design specifications.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and records.
• Perform all duties in accordance with the company's ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of five (5) years of Program Management, Project Management, or related experience in manufacturing or industrial automation.
• Strong technical aptitude or business management background.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Project.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Strong customer service and relationship management skills.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related field.
• Experience in custom automation, machine building, or manufacturing environments.
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 certified quality system.

Core Competencies

• Project Management
• Customer Relationship Management
• Scheduling & Planning
• Budget Awareness
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Risk Management
• Problem Solving
• Communication & Presentation
• Process Improvement
• Technical Aptitude
• Team Collaboration
• Attention to Detail

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand and walk throughout the workday.
• Frequently use hands to handle, reach, and operate equipment.
• Occasionally lift, push, or pull materials weighing up to 25 pounds or more.
• Occasionally work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to visually inspect equipment and read technical drawings and documentation.