Senior Automotive Launch Program Lead (Tier 1)

Challenge Manufacturing Holdings, Inc; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Health Savings Account with employer"s

Flexible Spending Accounts

Short-Term Disability

Basic Life Insurance

Voluntary Life and Long-Term Disable

401k Match

ESOP shares

Tuition reimbursement

Referral Bonus Program

Challenge Incentive Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead key customer programs from concept through full production launch.

You will manage cross-functional teams across Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Finance to meet timing, quality, and cost targets. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in automotive program management, strong APQP/PPAP knowledge, and proven ability to drive launches in a Tier 1 environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Controls, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent).
• 7+ years of automotive experience, preferably in stamping, welding, or assembly operations.
• 5+ years of program or project management experience in a Tier 1 automotive environment.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple OEM customer programs.
• Strong understanding of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and GD&T.
• Proficient in Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, PLEX.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned programs through all phases - concept, design, build, validation, launch, and handoff to production.
• Manage all aspects of program timing, open issues, and deliverables to ensure successful launch execution.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between Challenge and the customer for engineering, quality, and launch-related activities.
• Coordinate cross-functional support from Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Finance teams.
• Track and report program status using timing charts, KPI dashboards, and issue-tracking tools.
• Identify risks early and implement corrective and preventive actions to maintain launch readiness.
• Support financial tracking and cost management in partnership with Finance and Engineering.
• Ensure APQP, PPAP, and related customer requirements are properly executed.
• Conduct post-launch reviews and contribute to continuous improvement of launch processes.
• Promote a culture of accountability, communication, and collaboration within program teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Microsoft Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

PLEX

Travel up to 50%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Controls, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent)

Tools

Power BI

Smartsheet

Job description

Challenge Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead key customer programs from concept through full production launch.

You will manage cross-functional teams across Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Finance to meet timing, quality, and cost targets. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in automotive program management, strong APQP/PPAP knowledge, and proven ability to drive launches in a Tier 1 environment.