Program Manager

The Chemico Group-25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 120 Southfield, MI 48033 • Lake Orion, MI

26d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, technical performance, and operational execution of Chemical Management Services (CMS) within an automotive manufacturing environment, with primary focus on paint shop systems, safety, industrial automation interfaces, and process optimization. This role provides technical direction, program governance, and cross-functional coordination to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operation of chemical systems supporting production equipment. The position serves as the primary liaison between the customer, internal teams, and third-party suppliers while driving continuous improvement, cost optimization, and operational reliability.

Requirements

• Strong technical understanding of automotive paint shop operations and industrial chemical applications.
• Working knowledge of automation-controlled manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical and operational issues.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Effective leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of unionized manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, and reporting systems.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and/or Chemistry/Biology/Biochemistry and/or equivalent experience.
• Recommended minimum of 3-5 years of previous experience in chemical management.
• Recommended minimum 2 years’ experience in contract construction, negotiation, and application.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of unionized manufacturing environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the Chemical Management Services (CMS) program in accordance with contractual Scope of Work (SOW) requirements.
• Serve as primary technical and operational point of contact between the customer facility and Chemico.
• Direct daily site operations to ensure uninterrupted support of paint shop and related manufacturing processes.
• Monitor program performance metrics, service delivery, safety and compliance requirements.
• Conduct regular operational reviews and lead monthly and quarterly performance meetings with stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership supporting all plant chemical systems, automation interfaces, and industrial process equipment including: Pretreatment and washer systems, Paint Detackification, Cooling towers, boilers, and chillers, Centralized chemical delivery systems, Body Weld cooling water.
• Analyze system performance through testing, data review, and mass balance evaluations to maintain equipment efficiency, corrosion prevention, and process stability.
• Support troubleshooting of process disruptions impacting production, quality, or environmental compliance.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational reliability and reduce total cost of ownership.
• Collaborate with plant engineering and automation teams to optimize chemical delivery, monitoring, and control systems (Industrialization).
• Drive data-based decision making through reporting, trend analysis, and performance tracking.
• Lead technical improvement initiatives aligned with cost savings, efficiency gains, and sustainability objectives.
• Standardize best practices and share successful improvements across multiple sites.
• Provide leadership and technical guidance to site technicians and Tier 2 service providers.
• Ensure personnel operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with plant policies and regulatory requirements.
• Manage supplier performance through defined KPIs, scorecards, and service expectations.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, training, and development of program personnel.
• Ensure compliance with Safety Contractor Management SCM programs.
• Oversee chemical inventory management and ensure accurate forecasting and on-time product delivery.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and operational regulations.
• Track project execution and report performance against savings and operational targets.
• Support company reporting initiatives, metrics development, and continuous improvement programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager