Senior Program Manager – Automotive Launch Leader

Challenge Manufacturing; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP program

Employee-owned culture

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead complex customer programs from concept to production launch. You will manage cross-functional teams across engineering, quality, manufacturing, finance, and supply chain, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery and launch readiness.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years in automotive program management, strong APQP/PPAP knowledge, and a hands-on leadership style capable of driving multiple OEM programs in a fast-paced

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.
• Proven 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 programs through concept, design, build, validation, launch, and handoff to production.
• Manage program timing, open issues, and deliverables for successful launches.
• Serve as primary point of contact between Challenge and the customer for engineering, quality, and launch activities.
• Coordinate support from Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Finance.
• Track and report program status using timing charts, KPI dashboards, and issue-tracking tools.
• Identify risks early and implement corrective actions to maintain launch readiness.
• Support financial tracking and cost management with Finance and Engineering.
• Ensure APQP, PPAP, and related customer requirements are executed.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Launch discipline

Risk management

Travel readiness

Data-driven decision making

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

PLEX

Power BI

Job description

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead complex customer programs from concept to production launch. You will manage cross-functional teams across engineering, quality, manufacturing, finance, and supply chain, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery and launch readiness.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years in automotive program management, strong APQP/PPAP knowledge, and a hands-on leadership style capable of driving multiple OEM programs in a fast-paced