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Overview

An automotive manufacturer in Holland, MI is seeking a Program Manager to lead cross-functional teams in delivering programs that meet customer Statement of Work (SOW), timing, cost, and quality requirements. This role manages projects in a matrix environment using structured processes and standard project management tools, and requires automotive program management experience.

What you'll do

• Assess project feasibility with stakeholders using historical data and risk analysis
• Define project scope, deliverables, risks, and assumptions
• Develop comprehensive project plans covering scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, resources, and communication
• Build and baseline project schedules with cross-functional alignment and leadership approval
• Lead project kick-off and establish stakeholder communication plans
• Manage cross-functional teams and allocate resources to meet project goals
• Execute project plans, ensuring alignment with quality and safety standards
• Implement change management and risk mitigation strategies
• Drive team performance through leadership, coaching, and collaboration
• Track project performance against timeline, budget, and KPIs
• Manage scope, schedule, and cost changes using formal processes
• Identify variances, implement corrective actions, and communicate status to stakeholders
• Ensure on-time delivery through coordination with procurement and manufacturing
• Capture and apply lessons learned for continuous improvement
• Ensure all deliverables and launch requirements are completed
• Obtain final stakeholder acceptance of project outcomes
• Conduct lessons learned reviews and archive project documentation
• Transition program ownership to manufacturing/operations teams

What you'll need

• Automotive Program Management Experience required
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or technical field
• 4–9 years of program/project management experience
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Word)
• Ability to travel up to 25%
• Project management expertise across scope, cost, timing, risk, and quality
• Financial acumen and budgeting oversight
• Experience with new product launches and gated development processes
• Customer and supplier relationship management experience
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and communication skills
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a matrix environment
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Effective communicator with stakeholders at all levels
• Self-driven with ability to manage ambiguity
• High ethical standards and commitment to safety
• Skilled in stakeholder alignment and consensus building
• Hands-on involvement in manufacturing and launch activities
• Ability to work on production floor and at customer locations
• Capable of lifting up to 35 lbs
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification preferred, completed or in progress

Why this role

This position offers the opportunity to lead cross-functional teams through the full program lifecycle, from initiation through launch and closure, in a hands-on automotive manufacturing environment.