Senior Automotive Program Manager – Launch & KPI Leader

Challenge Manufacturing; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking a Program Manager to lead automotive program launches from design to production. You will report to the executive team and drive KPI-based performance, coordinating a cross-functional team to meet cost, schedule, and quality goals.

You will serve as the primary customer contact for engineering, quality and launch teams, ensuring timely deliverables, mitigating risks, and guiding scope changes to successful outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years’ experience in automotive industry, preferably stamping/welding/assembly operations.
• Five+ years’ experience as a program manager.
• Five+ years’ leading and mentoring a team.
• Experience estimating complex stamping and welding processes.
• Proven track record launching large-scale programs on time and under budget.
• Extensive APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and GD&T knowledge.
• Experience launching programs for GM and Honda as a tier 1.
• Experience with GM Mini-Match, MRD, MCR and PPAP; Honda NMR.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Project.

Responsibilities

• Report program status updates to the executive team with timing, quality and cost KPI’s.
• Develop effective KPI’s to monitor launch status and performance.
• Provide project leadership and drive all aspects of program launch.
• Lead cross-functional team to bring product design to production.
• Serve as key customer contact for engineering, quality and launch teams.
• Ensure customer deliverables and program timing are met.
• Establish and maintain an open issue report and timeline.
• Facilitate scope change activity and manage project risk.
• Conduct lessons-learned sessions at launch as part of continuous improvement.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

APQP knowledge

PFMEA

GD&T

MS Office & Project

Project leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Controls/Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Microsoft Project

PowerPoint

Job description

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking a Program Manager to lead automotive program launches from design to production. You will report to the executive team and drive KPI-based performance, coordinating a cross-functional team to meet cost, schedule, and quality goals.

You will serve as the primary customer contact for engineering, quality and launch teams, ensuring timely deliverables, mitigating risks, and guiding scope changes to successful outcomes.