Lead Program Manager

Challenge Manufacturing•Walker, MI

45d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a proven Lead Program Manager to drive program success across multiple customer launches and internal cross-functional teams. In this leadership capacity, you will ensure all affiliated program teams are supported, aligned, and executing customer deliverables with precision. You will oversee all aspects of the launch process—ensuring CMC’s internal and external customer requirements are consistently met or exceeded in timing, quality, and cost. This position plays a key role in shaping launch excellence, managing complex, high-volume automotive programs, and serving as a trusted liaison between executive leadership, customers, and plant operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Controls, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent).
10+ years of experience in the automotive industry, preferably in stamping, welding, or assembly operations.
10+ years of program or project management experience in a Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment.
5+ years of experience leading and mentoring program management teams.
Proven track record of launching large-scale automotive programs on time and under budget.
Deep understanding of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and GD&T.
Hands-on experience supporting multiple OEM customers.
Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, PLEX
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, including machining, welding, fabrication, and assembly.
Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Strong sense of accountability, ownership, and urgency in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts constructively, and influence cross-functional teams.
Ability to travel up to 50%

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Program Management.
PMP certification or equivalent project management credential.
Experience with enterprise-wide launch governance or global program oversight.
Familiarity with digital launch tracking tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Power BI).
Exposure to EV platforms or next-generation vehicle programs.
Proven success implementing continuous improvement frameworks or standardized launch processes across multiple plants.
Experience presenting at the executive level and leading customer-facing program reviews.

Responsibilities

Provide overall program leadership and accountability from concept through full production launch.
Deliver timing, quality, and cost KPI reports to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
Develop and manage program KPIs and dashboards to monitor launch readiness, open issues, and performance trends.
Lead cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance) to bring product designs seamlessly into production.
Mentor and supervise Sr. Program and Program Managers, ensuring consistency in project execution and launch discipline.
Manage large-scale, multi-OEM launch programs and support the department in achieving deliverables.
Ensure all program milestones, customer deliverables, and timing commitments are met.
Review and track open issues, program timing charts, and risk mitigation plans to maintain launch readiness.
Validate and manage scope changes, ECNs, and cost/timing impacts in collaboration with Finance and Engineering.
Minimize project risk through proactive escalation, issue resolution, and contingency planning.
Facilitate post-launch lessons-learned reviews, driving continuous improvement in program management processes.
Promote a culture of accountability, communication, and cross-functional collaboration across all launch teams.