Strategic Automotive Program Manager

Schaeffler; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Life insurance and 401k with company 6

Company vehicle

Regular employee appreciation events

Schaeffler Benefits

Job summary

Schaeffler Group USA Inc. in Auburn Hills, MI is seeking a Program Manager I to manage one or more programs with internal and external customers, and to own the strategic relationship as the primary advocate.

You will lead technical reviews, ensure on-time delivery, monitor TCQ, coordinate resources, and pursue new business through RFIs and RFQs, maintaining CAPCO compliance and financial discipline.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years in program or project management in manufacturing, automotive, or complex tech industries.
• Direct customer-facing experience with success in negotiation, relationship building, and managing complex accounts.
• Strong business acumen with budgeting, cost tracking, and profitability analysis.
• Experience with enterprise PM software such as MS Project, Jira, Planisware.

Responsibilities

• Manage one or more projects with internal and external customers.
• Cultivate and own the strategic relationship with the customer, acting as their primary advocate and main point of contact for all program matters.
• Lead technical reviews with the customer, with the authority to present information directly or delegate to subject matter experts.
• Ensure delivery of the projects assigned including all relevant steps, milestones, gateways and resources.
• Monitor project progress in terms of time, costs, quality (TCQ) and derive measures in case of deviations or claims.
• Lead the project team members functionally and coordinate all involved external service providers, resources or stakeholders.
• Actively pursue and secure new business by leading the creation of compelling responses to RFIs and RFQs.
• Own and enforce adherence to the CAPCO process and all relevant corporate/customer standards.
• Develop and manage the project budget (PIT), while supporting the detailed tracking of product, project, and prototype costs to ensure financial discipline.
• Oversee the end-to-end change management process for both product and project modifications, ensuring rigorous impact analysis and clear stakeholder communication.
• Manage and provide final approval for all high or medium-risk prototype deviations.
• Initiate and lead internal escalation meetings to proactively address and mitigate risks.
• Central Point of Communication: Serve as the single source of truth for all technical and timing-related communications with the customer.

Skills

Negotiation

Relationship building

Accounts management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Planisware

Job description

Schaeffler Group USA Inc. in Auburn Hills, MI is seeking a Program Manager I to manage one or more programs with internal and external customers, and to own the strategic relationship as the primary advocate.

You will lead technical reviews, ensure on-time delivery, monitor TCQ, coordinate resources, and pursue new business through RFIs and RFQs, maintaining CAPCO compliance and financial discipline.