Program Manager

Position: Program Manager – Automotive Manufacturing

Overview
A growing automotive manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the successful launch and execution of new production programs. This role focuses on managing programs from initial quotation through full production, with a strong emphasis on injection molding manufacturing processes.

The Program Manager will lead cross-functional teams to ensure programs meet customer expectations for quality, timing, and cost while maintaining profitability and operational efficiency. This position requires a strong technical background in automotive manufacturing and the leadership skills necessary to coordinate complex program launches in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Execution

• Manage multiple automotive programs from RFQ through production launch and ongoing support
• Develop and maintain detailed program timelines, milestones, and resource plans
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer program communication
• Ensure program deliverables meet customer expectations for quality, timing, and cost targets
• Lead APQP activities and ensure compliance with automotive program launch standards

Manufacturing & Injection Molding Oversight

• Coordinate tooling design, mold development, sampling, and validation activities
• Facilitate Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews and mold flow analysis
• Support PPAP submissions and ensure compliance with automotive quality standards
• Partner with engineering and production teams to optimize cycle times, scrap rates, and process efficiency
• Manage engineering change requests and support continuous improvement initiatives

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Lead collaboration across engineering, quality, production, supply chain, finance, and sales teams
• Facilitate internal and external program review meetings
• Identify program risks early and implement mitigation plans
• Monitor key program metrics including cost, timing, quality, and capacity

Financial & Strategic Accountability

• Track program budgets, tooling investments, and piece-price targets
• Support quoting activities through cost modeling and feasibility reviews
• Manage capital expenditures related to molds, automation, and production equipment
• Ensure programs meet profitability and margin expectations

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of program or project management experience in automotive manufacturing
• Strong technical knowledge of injection molding processes, tooling, and plastic materials
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and Control Plans
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 quality systems
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency with program management tools, ERP systems, and Microsoft Project or similar scheduling tools

Preferred

• PMP certification
• Experience working with Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive suppliers
• Background supporting high-volume manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of automation and secondary operations such as assembly, painting, or ultrasonic welding

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking with strong execution discipline
• Technical understanding of plastics manufacturing and tooling processes
• Customer-focused program leadership
• Financial and commercial awareness
• Risk identification and issue resolution
• Strong organization and time management skills

will relocate