Senior Program Manager

stoneridge; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Stoneridge is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead cross-functional programs in Vision & Driver Assistance, Controls, and Connectivity, including post-production updates and RFQ support. You will coordinate global engineering, manufacturing, and customer teams to meet targets while managing budgets and risks.

The role requires 5+ years in automotive program management, strong communication with customers, and knowledge of APQP/PPAP processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of program/project management experience in the automotive industry.
• Proven experience managing customer-facing programs with production exposure.
• Strong understanding of automotive development processes and lifecycle.
• Knowledge in ADAS, vision systems, connectivity, or controls product development preferred.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, DFMEA.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage detailed project plans for programs.
• Anticipate risks and implement corrective actions to maintain program targets.
• Manage projects through development, launch, and post-production lifecycle activities.
• Drive efficient execution of engineering changes, customer updates, and feature releases.
• Serve as primary point of contact for customer program teams on assigned programs.
• Ensure clear communication and alignment on scope, timing, and deliverables.

Skills

Program execution

Customer relationship management

Cross-functional coordination

Risk management

Financial acumen

APQP/PPAP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering/PM or related field

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Data tracking tools

Job description

Since 1965, Stoneridge has designed and manufactured advanced, award-winning technologies including driveline and transmission actuation systems, vision systems, emissions control systems, safety systems, and security and monitoring systems for vehicle OEMs in the commercial vehicle, automotive, off-highway and agricultural vehicle markets. We're focused on the areas of greatest market need - both today and tomorrow. Our core products and technologies are aligned with industry megatrends including safety and security, vehicle intelligence, fuel efficiency and emissions. Join the Stoneridge Team as we continue to build upon our strong history and reputation for quality products to deliver innovative products and systems that address a need, exceed our customers' expectations, and motivate our team.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Program Manager is accountable for achieving project targets and objectives including technical requirements, quality, profitability, timing, and risk management. This role leads application-level programs and projects within Vision & Driver Assistance (ADAS), Controls, and Connectivity domains, typically involving post-production updates, customer change requests, and feature enhancements.

The Senior PM will manage limited-scope programs with shorter timelines, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and internal standards while supporting RFQ activities. Success in this role requires strong cross-functional coordination across global engineering, manufacturing, and customer teams.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Execution & Planning

• Build and manage detailed project plans for programs.
• Anticipate risks and implement corrective actions to maintain program targets.
• Manage projects through development, launch, and post-production lifecycle activities.
• Drive efficient execution of engineering changes, customer updates, and feature releases.

Customer & Commercial Interface

• Serve as primary point of contact for customer program teams on assigned programs.
• Ensure clear communication and alignment on scope, timing, and deliverables.
• Support the product and commercial teams in RFQ preparation, cost inputs, and feasibility assessments.
• Manage customer change requests and ensure timely implementation.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Lead core team collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain.
• Ensure strong coordination between global teams and manufacturing locations.
• Facilitate information flow between customer teams and internal stakeholders.

Financial & Risk Management

• Manage program budgets including development and tooling costs.
• Track and report program KPIs including risks, timing, and profitability.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities and support implementation.

Product & Quality Oversight

• Ensure product and process decisions align with technical and quality requirements.
• Support APQP activities and ensure adherence to automotive quality standards.
• Monitor execution to meet defined performance and reliability targets.

Governance & Reporting

• Lead regular program reviews and internal/project meetings.
• Prepare and present updates to leadership and customer stakeholders.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation plans.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of program/project management experience in the automotive industry.
• Proven experience managing customer-facing programs with production exposure.
• Strong understanding of automotive development processes and lifecycle.
• Knowledge in ADAS, vision systems, connectivity, or controls product development preferred.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, DFMEA.

KEY SKILLS

• Program execution and delivery focus.
• Customer relationship management.
• Cross-functional team coordination in global environments.
• Strong problem-solving and risk management skills.
• Financial acumen and cost control.
• Proficiency in MS Project, Excel, and data tracking tools.

Stoneridge is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by the applicable laws in the countries we operate. Stoneridge also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.