Lead Program Manager, CapEx

Rivian • Atlanta, GA

6h

About The Position

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

This Lead Program Manager will spearhead the strategic execution and oversight of large-scale Capital Expenditure (CapEx) programs. This role focuses on aligning multi-million dollar investments with broader vehicle line strategies and long-term corporate initiatives. This role is based in Atlanta, GA, Plymouth, MI, Irvine, CA, or Normal, IL and will report to the Sr. Manager, Program Management – CapEx.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in Strategic Sourcing, Program Management, or Finance, with a heavy emphasis on large-scale Capital Expenditure (CapEx) within the automotive or high-tech manufacturing sectors.
• Proven ability to manage a portfolio of complex, high-value programs rather than isolated projects, demonstrating an understanding of how individual assets impact the broader vehicle program.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of capital equipment acquisition, contract negotiation, global tariffs, and the interplay between manufacturing scale-up and financial performance.
• Exceptional presentation and negotiation skills, with a track record of influencing senior leadership and navigating complex cross-functional environments.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Coupa) and data-driven decision-making tools.
• Ability to operate independently in a high-pressure, dynamic environment, managing multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

• An MBA or PMP certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Drive the integration of CapEx strategy with Vehicle Line and Manufacturing Engineering teams to ensure capital investments directly support product launch timelines and volume targets.
• Manage the overarching lifecycle of CapEx programs, focusing on portfolio-level budget and schedule management
• Drive strategic priorities across multiple programs semi-autonomously, leading individual contributors and people leaders to advance complex efforts.
• Collaborate with Vehicle Line, Manufacturing, Finance, Facilities, and Legal to define high-level requirements and ensure procurement strategies align with the company's long-term technology roadmap.
• Proactively identify and mitigate systemic risks across program portfolios. Partner with GSMs (Global Supply Managers) to prepare impact analyses on the global tariff landscape and supply chain volatility to protect program.
• Act as the primary liaison between technical departments and corporate finance, communicating program health, risk profiles, and mitigation strategies to stakeholders at all levels.
• Be the lead negotiator and "interpreter of information" to gain buy-in across diverse working groups and resolve program-level conflicts without escalation. Embody "Ask Why" behavior, ensuring every task or data point drives measurable impact toward program goals.
• Partner with Finance, Manufacturing, Facilities, and Capex leadership to develop multi-year CapEx forecasts and drive inputs for long range planning.
• Lead the development and implementation of standardized frameworks for tracking and reporting on massive capital outlays, ensuring transparency.
• Drive continuous improvement within the CapEx lifecycle, focusing on cost optimization, procurement efficiency, and the development of robust internal tools, policies, templates and reporting.

Benefits

• The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees.
• You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements.
• Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment.
• Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment.
• More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager