Program Manager (2026)

Nexteer•Saginaw, MI

About The Position

The US Division Program Management Team is seeking to fill an opening for a Program Manager, accountable to execute and deliver new customer programs from Program Charter through 6 months post Program Launch. We are looking for a candidate that can lead a cross-functional team (Business Case Delivery Team) with strong leadership skills and confidence to interact at multiple levels both internally with externally with customers and suppliers. The ideal candidate has a bias for action, self-motivated, and driven to achieve the program metrics, including timing, quality, and financials.

Requirements

10 or more years of automotive experience within a cross functional environment preferred
Proven Business & Financial Acumen skills to make decisions based on a solid understanding of the business and organizational impact.
Ability to see the impact a decision will have on timing and financial health of the program
Excellent leadership skills in a team environment - inspire and motivate team members to high performance
Strong Analytical and Reporting skills; ability to convey executive summaries
Effective External Communication with the Customer Organization at all levels and functions
Strong interpersonal skills to drive execution of program
Strong Conflict Management and Negotiation skills
Risk and Issue Management skills, including timely and effective escalation
Able to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers to successfully negotiate and meet program commitments.
Strong project planning and tracking capability using Microsoft Project and CPI Web
Understanding of Project Management Process knowledge
Understands Product Safety processes as it relates to the design, release, and manufacturing of products
Understanding of technical & commercial aspects of product line
Problem solving skills utilizing I&CIM tools (3L5Y, FAST X, Six Sigma, etc.)
Nexteer Business Process Knowledge
Nexteer Quality Management System Training
ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 Awareness Training
Proficient with Microsoft office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project)
Willingness and ability to travel
Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in engineering

Responsibilities

Demonstrate ownership of, accountability for, and commitment to the Program balancing program metrics (cost, quality, timing, performance).
Leader of the BCDT, responsible for OI%, NPV$, Year 1 MRTS%, and Exiting ER’s On-Time.
Achieve Financial Commitments as measured per the appropriation (organizational commitment) including OI, NPV, MRTS, CapEx, and Customer Tool Rebill, with focus on profitable launch at SOP + 6 months.
Ensure expectations and responsibilities are clear to team members and they understand their importance to the program.
Effectively utilize the Customer Program Implementation process and tools. Major tools include CPI Process Map, CPI Web System, Design Reviews and Enterprise Reviews.
Conduct cross-functional BOD/BOP Risk Assessment workshop to identify program risks shortly after Program Charter.
Lead program timing development, including timing dependencies and assumptions to meet customer requirements.
Drive discipline & accountability in project plans.
Clearly communicate risks and plans to mitigate those risks to ensure each CPI phase exits on time and adherence to program imperatives is met.
Ensure Nexteer and Customer risk assessments are current.
Escalate Issues to Management if Issues and Step Outputs cannot be completed on time and work with the team to develop a risk mitigation plan to protect program launch timing and financials.
Maintain up-to-date and accurate program information in CPI Web throughout the year, including KPIs, CPI Step Due Dates, Customer SORP, and Financials.
Drive the BCDT /PDT to conduct DR and ER reviews on-time!
Work to ensure ER’s are fully exited on-time or < 30 days after the initial review was scheduled.
Lead with Sales and Engineering the customer relationship for the program including customer communication, coordination, and issue resolution within the enterprise.
Support MAPP Approval and APQP Processes on-site at key suppliers; build relationships with our suppliers’ top management.
Develop strong relationship with Plant Launch Leader and Plant Staff.
Maintain appropriate program documentation to comply with ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 requirements.