Sr. Program Manager

Challenge Manufacturing; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing in Michigan seeks an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead customer programs from concept to full production launch.

You will manage cross-functional teams across Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure on-time, high-quality, and cost-effective launches. Strong launch discipline, technical understanding, and excellent communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical/controls, industrial, or manufacturing engineering.
• 7+ years of automotive experience in stamping, welding, or assembly.
• 5+ years of program or project management in a Tier 1 automotive environment.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple OEM customer programs.
• Strong understanding of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, and GD&T.

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 for launch execution.
• Serve as primary contact between Challenge and customer for engineering, quality, and launch activities.
• Coordinate cross-functional support from Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Finance teams.
• Track and report program status using timing charts and KPI dashboards.
• Identify risks early and implement corrective and preventive actions to maintain launch readiness.
• Support financial tracking and cost management 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 accountability, communication, and collaboration within program teams.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

APQP/PPAP

GD&T

Problem solving

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

PLEX

Job description

Who We Are

Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.

Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!

Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!

Who We Want

We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead key customer programs from concept through full production launch. This individual will manage cross-functional teams, ensuring program deliverables meet or exceed customer expectations in timing, quality, and cost. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader with strong launch discipline, technical understanding, and communication skills—capable of managing complex, high-volume automotive programs within a Tier 1 manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Do

• 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.

Required 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.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and drive results in fast‑paced settings.
• Ability to travel up to 50%

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Program Management.
• PMP certification or equivalent.
• Experience with Power BI, Smartsheet, or other digital launch tracking tools.
• Exposure to EV platforms or next-generation vehicle programs.
• Familiarity with multi‑plant coordination and continuous improvement frameworks.