Program Launch Manager

Magna International•Muncie, IN

17h

About The Position

The Manager, Program Management provides strategic and technical leadership to the Program Management function and is responsible for overseeing the successful execution of customer programs throughout the entire product lifecycle. This role leads a team of Program Managers, ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer requirements and Magna standards. The Manager, Program Management drives operational excellence by developing program management capabilities, standardizing processes, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. The position serves as a key liaison between customers, executive leadership, engineering, operations, sales, purchasing, quality, and finance to ensure alignment of business objectives and successful program execution. Primary objectives include ensuring profitable program launches and sustained production performance, strengthening customer relationships, enhancing program management processes and systems, and developing a high-performing Program Management team that consistently delivers results exceeding customer and organizational expectations.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, Program Management, or related field required.
Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in automotive program management, product development, operations, or related technical leadership roles.
Minimum 3-5 years of leadership experience managing Program Managers or cross-functional teams.
Strong technical background with knowledge of automotive systems, manufacturing processes, product development, and launch management.
Demonstrated success managing complex customer programs from acquisition through production.
Strong financial acumen with experience managing program budgets, profitability, business cases, and commercial negotiations.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and familiarity with program management, ERP, and customer systems.
Thorough understanding of APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949, launch management, and automotive customer requirements.
Exceptional communication, leadership, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management to Program Managers and associated personnel.
Establish clear objectives, priorities, and development plans for Program Management team members.
Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer focus.
Ensure adequate succession planning, cross-training, and capability development within the Program Management organization.
Oversee program execution across all phases of the product lifecycle, from acquisition and quoting through production and end-of-life activities.
Ensure adherence to Magna's Global Program Management System (GPMS) and customer-specific requirements.
Review program timing, financial performance, resource allocation, risk assessments, and escalation plans.
Lead management reviews and steering committee meetings for critical programs and strategic customer initiatives.
Ensure successful launches by coordinating resources and removing barriers impacting program objectives.
Monitor program health metrics and proactively address risks related to timing, quality, cost, capacity, and customer satisfaction.
Research, recommend, and lead implementation of enhancements to program management processes, products, tools, and systems.
Develop and implement best practices to improve program execution, launch performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
Analyze trends, lessons learned, and performance data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Support strategic business planning activities and long-term growth initiatives.
Maintain executive-level customer relationships and support Program Managers in resolving critical customer concerns.
Participate in strategic customer reviews, negotiations, and escalation activities.
Ensure quotations and business cases align with company profitability objectives and strategic goals.
Support contract reviews, change management activities, claims management, and commercial negotiations throughout program life cycles.
Partner with Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Finance, and Operations to ensure alignment and execution of business objectives.
Drive cross-functional collaboration to support successful product launches and production performance.
Facilitate resolution of complex technical, commercial, operational, and customer issues.
Support and adhere to policies, procedures, and operational guidelines related to the Quality Management System (IATF 16949), customer requirements, and EH&S standards.
Ensure MAFACT standards are planned and implemented within areas of responsibility to support world-class manufacturing.
Maintain compliance with OSHA, ISO, ANSI, and all applicable legislative requirements.
Prepare and present program performance updates to executive leadership.
Lead strategic initiatives supporting customer growth, operational excellence, and organizational effectiveness.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.