Apprentice International Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Title: Program Manager - EMS

Location: Vernon Hills, IL, however, Highly Qualified Remote candidates will also be considered

Compensation: Starting salary of $125,000+, with final compensation based on experience and qualifications

Reports To: COO & EVP

Company: Eastek International Corporation

Eastek International Corporation stands as a trusted contract manufacturing partner delivering end-to-end solutions across the electronics value chain. Headquartered near Chicago, the company combines American engineering expertise with global production capabilities, helping original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) bring complex, high-quality products to market efficiently and reliably

Job Summary:

The Program Manager at Eastek International will oversee strategic customer relationships, driving both operational excellence and business growth within assigned accounts. This role handles managing sales and operations activities, delivering cost-effective solutions, and aligning with customers’ strategic goals. The Program Manager will collaborate closely with the Sales team to expand business with existing customers, communicate excess materials to customers, and report monthly on key performance metrics, including on-time delivery, profitability by part number, and quality. Frequent travel by the employee to Eastek’s facility in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico, with limited travel to Malaysia and customer sites is needed to support local teams and strengthen client relationships.

Major Responsibilities Summary:

Customer Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary customer point of contact, ensuring timely and accurate communication across engineering, supply chain, operations, and quality teams.
• Manage all customer relationships for assigned accounts, ensuring alignment with sales and operational strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with the Sales team to identify and grow new business opportunities with existing customers.
• Log and track customer complaints.

Program & Change Management

• Manage engineering changes, customer revisions, and documentation updates across production, materials, and quality.
• Review contracts, track timelines and milestones, and monitor product profitability.

Operational & Financial Execution

• Develop and implement operations and sales strategies to improve execution efficiency and deliver customer value.
• Use financial systems to evaluate actual vs. estimated costs and produce accurate financial reports.
• Prepare monthly reports on on‑time delivery, profitability by part number, and quality metrics.

Business Reviews & Communication

• Lead and coordinate Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) to review performance, challenges, and growth opportunities.
• Communicate excess materials to customers to support effective inventory management.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with site management and partner closely with the Production and Material Controller (PMC).
• Work with the Sales team to develop new programs for existing and prospective customers.

Strategic Planning & Forecasting

• Create and manage long‑term program goals, operating plans, and evaluation methods.
• Develop 12‑ to 18‑month forecasts to support uninterrupted customer service.
• Produce timely and accurate program status reports throughout the project lifecycle.

Continuous Improvement & Risk Management

• Support continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, value engineering).
• Analyze program risks and manage inventory issues, including obsolescence, slow‑moving items, and excess materials.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of related experience, including direct manufacturing experience, preferably in contract manufacturing or electronics.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex challenges and develop effective solutions.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (Global Shop), Microsoft Planner (Excel, Outlook) for reporting, data analysis, and presentations.
• Valid passport needed due to frequent international travel.

Preferred Skills and Competencies:

• Program Management Expertise: Demonstrated capability in overseeing intricate programs, ensuring timely delivery, and effectively mitigating risks within a dynamic manufacturing setting.
• Business Development Acumen: Experience collaborating with sales teams to identify and secure new business opportunities with existing customers.
• Inventory and Materials Management: Ability to communicate excess materials to customers and manage inventory to optimize costs and efficiency.
• Financial and Analytical Acumen: Proficiency in tracking and reporting profitability by part number, alongside on-time delivery and quality metrics, to drive operational improvements.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Capability to lead cross-functional teams, work closely with site PMC’s, Master Scheduler, and Purchasing to achieve program objectives.
• Strategic Forecasting: Expertise in developing long-term forecasts and operational plans to ensure program success and customer satisfaction.

Travel Requirements:

• Frequent travel to Eastek’s manufacturing facility in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico, to collaborate with local teams, understand production processes, and ensure alignment with customer expectations.
• Accompany customers on site visits to build relationships and address operational needs.