Strategic Automotive Program Manager

Tenneco; Plymouth (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenneco is seeking a Program Manager to lead assigned customer and internal programs from quotation through launch and production. You will coordinate across customers, suppliers, plants, and functional teams to achieve timing, quality, cost, and customer satisfaction goals.

The role emphasizes enforcing Tenneco’s project management methodology, driving accountability, risk mitigation, and disciplined execution across the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of program or project management experience in manufacturing or automotive environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs through all program phases and gate reviews from award through launch and production.
• Ensure objectives related to safety, timing, delivery, quality, cost, and financial performance.
• Serve as primary communication and coordination point between customers, suppliers, plants, and cross-functional teams.
• Develop and execute comprehensive timing plans to support launches and milestones.
• Lead program reviews, customer reviews, and phase-gate reviews.
• Identify risks early and develop mitigation plans and issue escalation.
• Manage scope changes and obtain approvals.
• Conduct trade-off analysis balancing timing, cost, quality, scope, and resources.
• Monitor status, financials, risks, and deliverables to leadership.
• Support achievement of financial targets through business case validation and cost management.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Finance, Sales, and Supply Chain.
• Support sourcing activities including PPAP, APQP, and launch readiness.
• Visit plants, suppliers, and customers to verify readiness and resolve issues.
• Provide portfolio oversight and resources management when applicable.
• Promote continuous improvement and customer-focused execution.
• Support development of program management processes and best practices.
• Provide training and guidance on methodologies and business processes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Project management

Problem solving

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field

MBA

PMP or PMI certification

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Tenneco is seeking a Program Manager to lead assigned customer and internal programs from quotation through launch and production. You will coordinate across customers, suppliers, plants, and functional teams to achieve timing, quality, cost, and customer satisfaction goals.

The role emphasizes enforcing Tenneco’s project management methodology, driving accountability, risk mitigation, and disciplined execution across the organization.