Innovation Program Manager Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Methode Electronics is a global leader in innovative electronic solutions, serving industries such as automotive, industrial, aerospace, and consumer electronics. With a strong commitment to engineering excellence, quality, and continuous innovation, Methode delivers cutting-edge technologies that power today's most advanced products. Our collaborative culture and focus on professional growth empower employees to make a meaningful impact while building rewarding careers. Joining Methode means being part of a forward-thinking team that values integrity, creativity, and driving the future of technology.

Serving as the primary customer interface, the role leads program reviews and communicates progress on cost, schedule, and technical metrics. Responsibilities include establishing design concepts, guiding engineering and product development efforts, and driving new business opportunities or product line expansion.

The position also sets milestones, monitors project execution, resolves program risks, and directs cross-functional teams spanning engineering, manufacturing, commercial, and administrative functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Leadership & Strategy: Primary point of communication interface to the customer for the respective program(s).Lead and manage multiple programs, developing strategic roadmaps for execution, delivery, cross functional alignment, and budgeting that align with business and customer needs.
• Stakeholder Management:Maintain effective communication with key stakeholders, including customers, senior management, and cross functional team. Provide regular, transparent updates on program status, progress, and potential delays.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:Partner closely with engineering, sales, , manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure the successful execution of program milestones. Bring accountability from cross functional team for flawless launch. Facilitate communication and proactively resolve issues.
• Project Planning & Execution:Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets. Monitor progress and manage resources to ensure all program deliverables are met on time, within scope, and within budget. Lead multiple parallel program teams to ensure program requirements are consistently met.
• Risk Management:Identify and mitigate potential risks to program success. Proactively resolve issues related to resources, timelines, technical challenges, and customer demands.
• Change Management: Adhere change management discipline to ensure program scope in terms of cost, timing & quality.
• Program Cost and Profitability Management:Monitor and manage program costs and financial status. Develop and execute strategies to drive margin improvements and profitability.
• Series Production Programs: Manage Series Production Phase including claims management, change management & continuous improvement, VA/VE activities, and execution of ongoing price negotiations / adjustments.
• Other Duties As Assigned

Qualifications:

• Education:Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial). A master's degree is preferred.
• Experience:7+ years of relevant experience, with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and managing complex programs.
• Experience and knowledge in molding, stamping, grazing, CNC welding, etc. is preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong project management skills, with experience managing large, complex programs.
• Proficient in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, PLM, etc.).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and lead teams in a collaborative environment.
• Strong problem-solving and strategic decision-making abilities.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to travel up to 30%; domestic and international

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship. Methode Electronics is not able to provide visa sponsorship-now or in the future-for this role.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Frequent hand motion and repetitive tasks including using a computer for typing. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally do immediate reaching and overhead reaching to perform various duties, frequent standing for varied amounts of time to perform various duties, frequent walking for varied amounts of time to perform various duties. Squat or bend to perform various duties.

Occasionally climb stairs.

Benefits and Perks:

Methode offers US employees Medical, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Life & Disability insurance, a wellness program, and time off benefits.

Voluntary benefit plans include Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Pet Insurance.

Methode provides an Employee Assistance Program, and participation in the Company's 401(k) plan which includes a company contribution.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

Methode Electronics is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics per the EEO Poster available here . If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting@methode.com or call (708) 867-6777 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.