Automation Program Manager Jobs in Howell, MI (NOW HIRING)

The Technology Program Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing Smart Factory initiatives that improve operational efficiency, productivity, quality, inventory management, and decision-making through digital transformation, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies. This role leads a portfolio of projects involving IoT, automation, AI, data integration, dashboards, AMRs/AGVs, digital workflows, and manufacturing systems while coordinating resources across engineering, production, maintenance, IT, OneCIS, third-party vendors, and corporate partners. The position ensures projects deliver measurable business results aligned with company strategic objectives.

The Technology Program Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing Smart Factory initiatives that improve operational efficiency, productivity, quality, inventory management, and decision-making through digital transformation, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies. This role leads a portfolio of projects involving IoT, automation, AI, data integration, dashboards, AMRs/AGVs, digital workflows, and manufacturing systems while coordinating resources across engineering, production, maintenance, IT, OneCIS, third-party vendors, and corporate partners. The position ensures projects deliver measurable business results aligned with company strategic objectives.

• Safety-minded
• Strong continuous improvement skill set
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all team members and external parties
• Leadership
  • Strong project leadership skills
  • Ability to influence without direct authority
  • Team facilitation and stakeholder management
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Effective at providing guidance and direction as required
  • Self-directed with a strong attention to detail
  • Cross functional leadership - Facilitate communication between stakeholders and leadership teams.
• Technical Knowledge – at conceptual level
  • Manufacturing processes
  • Industrial automation
  • PLC and controls fundamentals
  • Manufacturing execution systems
  • IoT and data collection technologies
  • AI and digital transformation concepts
  • Systems integration principles
• Business Skills
  • Strategic planning
  • Budget development
  • CAPEX justification
  • ROI analysis
  • Risk management
  • KPI development
• Project Management
  • Project scheduling
  • Resource planning
  • Vendor management
  • Scope management
  • Change control
  • Continuous improvement methodologies

• Develop and maintain the Smart Factory roadmap aligned with company strategy and operational needs.
• Manage Smart Factory projects from concept through implementation, including schedules, milestones, budgets, resources, scope, and change control.
• Develop business cases, including ROI, project benefits, CAPEX planning, approvals, risk management, and KPI tracking.
• Monitor project status, communicate progress to leadership, and lead project reviews or governance meetings.
• Coordinate cross-functional communication among engineering, production, maintenance, IT, OneCIS, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Drive adoption of new systems and technologies through training plans, workforce upskilling, and change management.
• Provide leadership and support to the Smart Factory task force, including setting priorities, facilitating teamwork, and supporting continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with safety expectations, TGFS mission, vision, core values, TG policies, procedures, Hoshin activities, and IATF requirements.
• Support process improvement by collecting and analyzing data, implementing preventive and corrective actions, and promoting digital innovation.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by senior leadership.

• 75% office, 25% plant floor.
• Must work scheduled hours, including weekends and overtime as needed.

• Glasses required in production areas
• Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes required
• Hair reaching shoulder length must be secured behind head in production areas
• High visibility clothing in required areas
• All other required PPE as outlined

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Automation, Information Systems, or related field.
• 5+ years of project management experience.
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience.
• Experience implementing automation, Industry 4.0, Smart Factory, or digital transformation projects.
• PMP certification .
• Understanding of IATF system requirement preferred
• Lean / TPS experience preferred.
• Knowledge of data visualization and analytics platforms.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge of JDE desired

• FUEL Challenge Leadership Training (if available)
• TG Legal Compliance
• Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Phishing and Cybersecurity Basics
• Hazcom
• PPE
• 5S/2S1Y
• LOTO Affected User
• STOP 7
• Fire & Weather Safety
• Stormwater Awareness
• Proper Labeling & Storage of Chemicals
• Proper Lifting/2-man Lifting
• Light Curtains & Safety Devices