Program Manager - Electrical Systems

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.•Washington, DC

About The Position

Drive customer programs from concept to production and turn expectations into successful outcomes. As a Program Manager with CVG’s Electrical Systems team, you will lead cross-functional programs that deliver high-quality wire harness solutions to the automotive and commercial vehicle market. You’ll be the connective force across engineering, sales, manufacturing, and customer stakeholders—ensuring alignment on scope, timing, cost, and performance. Success in this role requires exceptional communication, disciplined execution, and the ability to translate customer needs into clear internal actions. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy coordinating complex technical work, and take pride in delivering on commitments, this role will put you at the center of bringing new products to market.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Program/Project Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
5+ years of experience in program management or project leadership in automotive, commercial vehicle, aerospace, or related industries.

Nice To Haves

Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and managing full product lifecycle—from concept to launch.
Working knowledge of electrical systems, wiring harnesses, connectors, and vehicle electrical architecture or willingness to learn quickly.
Strong organizational, communication, and presentation skills, including the ability to simplify complex issues.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
Experience with program management tools such as MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent Gantt/schedule software.
Experience with APQP, PPAP, DFM/DFA, FMEA, and launch processes in a manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with OEM program processes and customer expectations.
Working knowledge of harness design, manufacturing, routing, and material cost drivers.
PMP, Prince2, Agile certification, or formal project management training is a plus.
High sense of ownership with a customer-focused mindset and a results-driven approach.
Ability to influence without authority and inspire cross-functional alignment.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as programs require.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Customer Engagement Serve as the primary program contact for assigned customers, building strong relationships and maintaining clear communication throughout the product lifecycle.
Lead program planning, execution, and risk management to ensure on-time delivery, product quality, and financial performance.
Facilitate customer meetings, design reviews, and checkpoints to ensure alignment on expectations, changes, and milestones.
Cross-Functional Coordination Translate customer requirements and commercial agreements into executable internal program plans integrating engineering, purchasing, operations, and quality.
Drive schedule adherence by aligning functional owners, managing deliverables, and escalating risks and roadblocks early.
Coordinate design release, validation, prototype builds, PPAP activities, and launch readiness with internal and external stakeholders.
Financial & Commercial Accountability Own program cost, including tooling, material, engineering hours, and launch expenses; partner with finance and sales to monitor program profitability.
Support quote development, engineering changes, cost updates, and customer negotiations with a fact-based approach.
Monitor cost-to-launch and ensure financial records reflect current program conditions and customer agreements.
Risk, Issue & Change Management Identify program risks early and develop mitigation actions to protect schedule, cost, and technical deliverables.
Manage engineering change requests (ECR/ECO), ensuring impacts are documented, communicated, and approved both internally and with customers.
Drive resolution of customer concerns related to design, supply chain, delivery, or quality, coordinating cross-functional support.
Documentation & Reporting Maintain accurate status documentation including program timelines, open issues, risk registers, and customer action logs.
Provide regular program updates to leadership, highlighting accomplishments, risks, decision needs, and performance metrics.
Prepare program summaries and lessons learned to drive future improvement.
Continuous Improvement Identify opportunities to improve program execution processes, templates, and standard work across the program management office.
Support design standardization and platform strategies to improve speed-to-quote and cost competitiveness.