Senior Program Manager, Automotive Launch Leader

Challenge Manufacturing; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead automotive program launches from concept through production. You will guide cross‑functional teams, coordinate engineering, quality and launch activities, and maintain rigorous schedules to meet customer expectations.

The role requires a strong background in APQP/PPAP processes, plus a track record of delivering large-scale programs on time and within budget. ESOP culture and ownership mindset are core to our organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years’ experience in the automotive industry, preferably in stamping, welding, or assembly operations.
• Minimum of five years’ of experience as a program manager
• Minimum of five years’ of experience leading and mentoring a team.
• Experience with estimating complex stamping and welding processes.
• A proven track record of successfully launching large scale program on time and under budget.
• Extensive experience with APQP, PAPP, PFMEA, Control Plans and GD&T
• Experience with launching programs for GM and Honda as a tier 1
• Experience with GM’s Mini-Match, MRD, MCR and PPAP process
• Experience with Honda’s NMR process
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Project required
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Controls, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering preferred
• Has high standards of performance for self.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Reporting level program status updates to the executive team, including timing, quality and cost KPI’s.
• Develop effective KPI’s to monitor teams launch status and performance.
• Provide project leadership and drive all aspects of program launch.
• Lead a 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.
• Establish and maintain program files and retain in an orderly manner.
• Facilitate and manage scope change activity.
• Minimize project risk and inform Management appropriately.
• Facilitates lessons-learned session at the conclusion of the launch as part of continuous improvement

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Team Mentoring

Communication

Planning

MS Office

MS Project

Manufacturing Processes

Problem Solving

APQP

PPAP

GD&T

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Eng

Tools

Microsoft Project

MS Excel

MS Word

APQP

PPAP

GD&T

Job description

Challenge Manufacturing is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead automotive program launches from concept through production. You will guide cross‑functional teams, coordinate engineering, quality and launch activities, and maintain rigorous schedules to meet customer expectations.

The role requires a strong background in APQP/PPAP processes, plus a track record of delivering large-scale programs on time and within budget. ESOP culture and ownership mindset are core to our organization.