Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. LM Manufacturing is seeking a Program Manager to lead and manage automotive manufacturing programs from customer award through production launch and ongoing production. The Program Manager will serve as the primary liaison between customers and internal departments while ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality standards.
Responsibilities
- Lead assigned customer programs from quotation and award through launch and production
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customers regarding program status, timing, deliverables, and issue resolution
- Develop and maintain comprehensive program timelines, budgets, and milestone schedules
- Coordinate cross-functional activities involving Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Finance, Sales, and Logistics
- Monitor program performance, identify risks, and implement corrective actions to ensure successful execution
- Manage program scope, schedule, costs, and customer expectations throughout the product lifecycle
- Lead program launch activities, including production readiness reviews and customer launch requirements
- Ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements, quality standards, and applicable automotive industry standards, including IATF 16949 and APQP methodologies
- Coordinate APQP activities, including PPAP submissions, timing plans, design reviews, and launch readiness
- Facilitate regular internal program review meetings and customer status meetings
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs), including timing, quality, cost, and delivery performance
- Support engineering changes and change management processes throughout production
- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of components and materials required for production
- Prepare and present program reports to executive leadership and customers
- Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost reductions, and operational efficiencies
- Support continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles
- Travel to customer and supplier locations as required
- Displays a positive attitude towards safety, works safely and follows all the Company's safety policies and procedures
- Complies with all Health, Safety and Environmental standards and the Occupational Health & Safety Act. and the Michigan Occupational Health & Safety Act
- Ensures all employees and visitors have a safe environment in that safety and housekeeping standards are maintained; and all hazards, unsafe actions, or unsafe conditions have been identified, corrected, and/or eliminated
- Report all injuries, accidents, illnesses, near misses and property damage immediately
- Perform other duties as assigned
Skills
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field
- Five or more years of program or project management experience in automotive manufacturing
- Experience managing customer programs from launch through production
- Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes, including stamping, welding, assembly, molding, machining, or related operations
- Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and customer launch requirements
- Strong understanding of IATF 16949 and automotive quality systems
- Excellent project management, organizational, and leadership skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, and ERP/MRP systems
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
- Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
- Experience with major automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers
- Knowledge of AIAG Core Tools
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