Program Manager

Challenge Manufacturing•Cusseta, AL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager leads the program management launch process to ensure internal and external customer requirements are met. This role provides project leadership across all aspects of a program launch and leads cross-functional teams in moving product design into production. The Program Manager serves as a key customer contact for engineering, quality, and launch teams, while monitoring timing, quality, and cost performance and reporting program status to the executive team. The position is based at Challenge Manufacturing’s plant in Cusseta, Alabama, and works first shift, Monday through Friday.

Requirements

At least ten years of experience in the automotive industry, preferably in stamping, welding, or assembly operations.
At least five years of experience as a Program Manager.
Experience estimating complex stamping and welding processes.
A proven track record of launching large-scale programs on time and under budget.
Extensive experience with APQP, PAPP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and GD&T.
Experience launching programs for GM and Honda as a tier 1 supplier.
Experience with GM’s Mini-Match, MRD, MCR, and PPAP processes.
Experience with Honda’s NMR process.
Experience with Microsoft Office and Project.
Knowledge of manufacturing processes, including machining, welding, fabrication, and assembly.
Basic competency in MS Word, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Coordination and planning skills in project management.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
Ability to maintain high performance standards, take responsibility for actions and results, and complete work accurately and reliably.
Ability to resolve conflict constructively, use feedback to improve, and maintain positive working relationships.
Ability to support plant flow by moving within own or other work areas.
Ability to work with urgency, collaborate, share information, adapt constructively to change, and maintain job knowledge and skills.
Reliability in attending scheduled work and using work time appropriately.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with Mercedes-Benz is highly preferred.
A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Controls, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering is preferred.

Responsibilities

Report program status to the executive team, including timing, quality, and cost KPIs.
Develop effective KPIs to monitor team launch status and performance.
Provide project leadership and drive all aspects of program launch.
Lead a cross-functional team to bring product design to production.
Serve as a key customer contact for engineering, quality, and launch teams.
Ensure customer deliverables and program timing are met.
Establish and maintain an open issue report and timeline.
Establish and maintain program files in an orderly manner.
Facilitate and manage scope change activity.
Minimize project risk and appropriately inform management.
Facilitate a lessons-learned session at the conclusion of the launch as part of continuous improvement.