Program Manager

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred; High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in the automotive, aerospace, or defense industry in a Program Manager or related capacity required
• Strong background in metal fabrication and plastics manufacturing highly preferred, including CNC machining, stamping, press brake operation, and laser cutting/welding
• Proven experience working with customers and leading internal cross-functional teams
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Effective team player with strong collaboration skills

Responsibilities

• Send regular communications and status updates to customers regarding program progress, key milestones, and any risks or changes
• Monitor program timing through customer portals, ensuring all milestones are accurate and up to date, and proactively communicate and resolve any discrepancies with the customer
• Collaborate closely with shop leadership, engineering, and management teams on program design, feasibility, timing, and cost considerations
• Develop, organize, and maintain comprehensive program documentation, including traveler folders, work instructions, process sheets, visual aids (photos), inspection reports, and fixture designs
• Support the creation and delivery of customer-specific training materials to ensure compliance with all requirements
• Respond promptly to customer quality alerts and internal quality concerns by partnering with inspection teams, quality engineers, and shop leadership to identify root causes
• Lead or support the development and implementation of corrective actions, ensuring issues are resolved effectively and communicated clearly to the customer
• Work closely with Quality Engineers on certifications, compliance documentation, employee training, and audit preparation
• Serve as a primary liaison between the customer, internal teams, and sales, maintaining strong customer relationships and ensuring clear communication
• Develop a thorough understanding of company capabilities and manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for additional business and support future program growth
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance processes, reduce costs, and improve quality and delivery performance
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, safety standards, and PPE requirements, promoting a safe and efficient work environment
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program success and organizational objectives