Program/Account Manager

Anderson Express•Muskegon, MI

About The Position

Program/Account Manager - Ford Anderson Express (AE) – Muskegon, MI Anderson Express is a women-owned, world-class manufacturer specializing in aluminum casting, CNC machining, and assembly of customer-engineered components. We are a growing Tier 1 supplier serving automotive, military, and power generation markets. We are the go-to supplier for Ford Motor Company on complex, fast-moving, highly engineered programs that demand precision, urgency, and problem-solving at a high level. The Opportunity We need a Program/Account Manager reporting to the President responsible for launching and growing approximately $20MM in annual revenue with Ford , representing most of AE’s business. The President remains actively engaged in the strategic relationship. This position partners closely with leadership to execute, protect, and grow the business while owning day-to-day commercial and program activities. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership position requiring commercial strength, operational understanding, disciplined execution, and daily engagement with cross-functional teams. What You Will Own Account Leadership & Growth Manage and grow AE’s Ford business, including identifying sourcing opportunities and leading quoting strategy Negotiate commercial terms and support award decisions Own program-level profitability and protect margin Lead cost breakdown analysis, tooling recovery, and change management Proactively escalate and resolve commercial risks Contribute at an elevated level to strategic initiatives as the company grows Program Management & Launch Execution Lead cross-functional teams to launch new programs on time, on budget, and within quality targets Drive and document the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process Lead Program Management reviews and drive closure of open issues Manage engineering changes and manufacturing challenges throughout program lifecycle Ensure compliance with Ford design and documentation standards Operational & Financial Discipline Develop and manage program budgets and manufacturing profitability Oversee tooling cost tracking and recovery Drive capacity planning alignment Lead optimization of our ERP (Global Shop Solutions) to improve visibility, quoting accuracy, and program execution Lead continuous improvement initiatives across programs What Success Looks Like Maintain and grow Ford revenue profitably Improve quote win-rate and margin protection Launch new programs without major timing or quality disruptions Strengthen APQP execution discipline Increase visibility and control of program financial performance Who Thrives Here Experienced automotive program/account leaders who are comfortable managing high responsibility without executive title Professionals who are confident in negotiating with OEM purchasing and engineering teams Individuals who escalate issues early and communicate clearly Leaders who are comfortable operating in a highly accountable, ownership-driven environment People who take full responsibility and protect the business as if it were their own This role is not suited for someone seeking a purely strategic or executive position. It requires daily engagement, urgency, and hands-on execution. What Success Looks Like: Maintain and grow Ford revenue profitably Improve quote win-rate and margin protection Launch new programs without major timing or quality disruptions Strengthen APQP execution discipline Increase visibility and control of program financial performance

Requirements

7–10 years of experience managing OEM or Tier 1 automotive accounts in a manufacturing environment
Demonstrated experience owning margin and program profitability
Experience launching complex programs using APQP
Strong commercial negotiation skills
ERP experience required; Global Shop Solutions experience a plus
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Nice To Haves

Experience working in Ford systems and portals (e.g., Covisint or equivalent) preferred
Familiarity with aluminum casting, CNC machining, or engineered components strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Manage and grow AE’s Ford business, including identifying sourcing opportunities and leading quoting strategy
Negotiate commercial terms and support award decisions
Own program-level profitability and protect margin
Lead cost breakdown analysis, tooling recovery, and change management
Proactively escalate and resolve commercial risks
Contribute at an elevated level to strategic initiatives as the company grows
Lead cross-functional teams to launch new programs on time, on budget, and within quality targets
Drive and document the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process
Lead Program Management reviews and drive closure of open issues
Manage engineering changes and manufacturing challenges throughout program lifecycle
Ensure compliance with Ford design and documentation standards
Develop and manage program budgets and manufacturing profitability
Oversee tooling cost tracking and recovery
Drive capacity planning alignment
Lead optimization of our ERP (Global Shop Solutions) to improve visibility, quoting accuracy, and program execution
Lead continuous improvement initiatives across programs