Program Manager (Piston Interiors)

Piston Automotive; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Piston Interiors in Pontiac, MI is seeking a Program Manager to lead automotive interior programs from award through launch and production. You will act as the primary liaison between customers, internal cross-functional teams, and manufacturing operations to ensure program objectives related to quality, cost, timing, and profitability are met.

The role requires 3–5 years of PM experience in a Tier 1/2 supplier, with strong MS Office and project-management skills, and the ability to coordinate

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 3–5 years of Program Management experience within a Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive supplier.
• Experience managing programs for OEM customers such as Ford Motor Company, or Stellantis.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and automotive launch processes.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and customer-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the PMT process by calling the PMT meetings and Gate review meetings and following up on issues.
• Maintain all PM schedules and customer documents and use the database.
• Translate customer program requirements into achievable program plans and inform customers of milestones.
• Ensure program meets cost targets for each build event and manage cost recovery for changes.
• Manage pre-production build events with timelines, material orders/trackers and sample requests.
• Manage engineering changes by tracking quoting, PI, EO, tool completion, and plant readiness.
• Develop plans and track APQP and PPAP information.
• Adhere to and promote the quality certification process.
• Resolve cross-functional issues and keep the team focused on priorities with management involvement as needed.
• Provide risk assessment and countermeasures to management early to enable support.
• Interact with OEM and Tier 1 customers and suppliers; travel as needed.
• Visit customer locations and plants during major milestones, including travel to Mexico.
• Participate in improving Program Management through special projects and objectives.
• Drive cost savings and PIP projects to closure annually.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

Communication

Risk assessment

Vendor liaison

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft Project

Job description

Piston Interiors- Program Manager to lead automotive interior programs from award through launch and production. This position serves as the primary liaison between the customer, internal cross-functional teams, and manufacturing operations to ensure successful execution of program objectives related to quality, cost, timing, and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the PMT process by calling the PMT meetings and Gate review meetings and following up on issues before and after the PMT meetings; Ensure proper Plant personnel are informed and attend.
• Maintain all PM schedules and customer documents as required. Use the database when appropriate.
• Translate customer program requirements into achievable program plans that satisfy both Piston Interiors and the customer. Inform customers in writing when program milestones are in jeopardy and provide recovery plans.
• Ensure program meets cost targets for each build event and/or ensuring cost recovery for engineering changes.
• Manage pre-production build events with timelines, material orders/trackers and sample requests to support build quantities/trackers.
• Manage the engineering change process by tracking the associated quoting, PI, EO, tool completion, and plant readiness activities.
• Develop plans and track the completion of APQP and PPAP information.
• Adhere to and promote the quality certification process.
• Resolve cross-functional issues by taking charge and making timely decisions based on facts; maintain team stability by keeping the team focused on the appropriate issues and engage Piston Interiors PM management as required.
• Use sound judgment and provide risk assessment/viable countermeasures to Piston Interiors PM management early enough to allow for proper assistance when required.
• Active interface with OEM and Tier 1 customers and suppliers.
• Visit customer locations & plants during major milestone events to support the teams when required. Some travel to Mexico and locally.
• Participate in improving the Program Management Department by performing special projects and achieving agreed upon objectives.
• Participate and drive to closure of cost savings and PIP projects, annually.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 3–5 years of Program Management experience within a Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive supplier.
• Experience managing programs for OEM customers such as Ford Motor Company, or Stellantis.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and automotive launch processes.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and customer-facing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
• Preferred:
• Experience with automotive interiors, seating, trim, textiles, or soft goods.
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 and OEM customer-specific requirements.
• Experience managing multiple programs simultaneously.