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Program Manager Jobs in Rockford, MI (NOW HIRING)

Challenge Manufacturing Company

Sr. Program Manager

Walker, MI · On-site

$110K - $110K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead key customer programs from concept through full production launch. This individual will manage cross-functional teams, ensuring program ...

RENK America

Sr Program Manager

Muskegon, MI

$107K - $107K/yr

The Sr Program Manager will support the planning, execution, and monitoring of various projects. This position will lead and oversee complex projects ensuring they align with strategic goals and are ...

Challenge Manufacturing Company

Sr. Program Manager

Walker, MI · On-site

$110K - $110K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead key customer programs from concept through full production launch. This individual will manage cross-functional teams, ensuring program ...

Challenge Mfg. Company LLC

Sr. Program Manager

Walker, MI · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead key customer programs from concept through full production launch. This individual will manage cross-functional teams, ensuring program ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProgram JobsProgram Manager JobsProgram Manager Jobs in Rockford, MI

Program Manager information

See Rockford, MI salary details

$34.3K

$95.7K

$139.8K

How much do program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager in Rockford, MI is $95,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,800.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program manager?

Program managers are professionals responsible for overseeing multiple related projects within an organization, ensuring they align with strategic goals and deliver expected outcomes. They coordinate the efforts of project managers, manage resources, set priorities, and address risks and issues that arise across the program. Unlike project managers who focus on individual projects, program managers take a broader view, ensuring that all projects within a program work together effectively to achieve long-term business objectives.

What does a program manager do?

The job of a program manager is to plan, organize, and coordinate management programs or external programs for a business or institution. As a program manager, your duties vary depending on the type of organization for which you work, but many of the responsibilities for this role are similar or overlap. You typically supervise numerous associates and analysts who help prepare data and assessments about current programming and how it can be improved. You help to implement new programs for employees or customers and promote them through HR or outreach coordinators and marketing professionals. You also assess individual projects and how they interact with one another.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Manager, you need strong project management skills, strategic planning abilities, and a relevant degree, often supported by certifications like PMP or Agile. Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, or Asana is essential for tracking progress and managing resources. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you motivate teams and navigate complex stakeholder environments. These competencies ensure that programs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals.

What are some common challenges program managers face when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Program Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning priorities across diverse teams, managing conflicting stakeholder expectations, and ensuring clear communication among departments with different workflows. Navigating these challenges requires strong negotiation and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to build consensus and foster collaboration. Successful Program Managers proactively establish regular check-ins, promote transparency, and adapt strategies to keep projects on track and maintain team engagement.

What is the difference between Program Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProgram ManagerProject Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree, PMP or similar certifications often preferredUsually requires a bachelor’s degree; certifications like CAPM are common
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects within a program, strategic focusSupports project teams, handles administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries like IT, construction, healthcareCommon in similar industries, supporting project execution

The Program Manager focuses on managing multiple related projects to achieve strategic goals, while the Project Coordinator supports individual projects with administrative and logistical tasks. Both roles require coordination skills, but the Program Manager has a broader, strategic scope.

How much do program managers make?

Program managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $115,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $80,000 to over $150,000 depending on experience, industry, and location. In larger organizations or tech industries, salaries can be higher, especially for those with certifications like PMP or experience managing complex projects.

What are the top 3 skills of a program manager?

A program manager needs strong leadership and communication skills to coordinate multiple projects and teams effectively. Organizational and strategic planning abilities are essential for managing complex initiatives and aligning them with business goals. Additionally, proficiency in project management tools and methodologies, such as Agile or PMP, supports successful program execution.
More about Program Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Rockford, MI?

The most popular types of Program jobs in Rockford, MI are:

What job categories do people searching Program Manager jobs in Rockford, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager jobs in Rockford, MI are:

What cities near Rockford, MI are hiring for Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Rockford, MI with the most Program Manager job openings:

Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager job openings in Rockford, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,709 per year, or $46 per hour.

Sr. Program Manager

Challenge Manufacturing Company

Walker, MI • On-site

$110K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Challenge Manufacturing rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

522nd of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

Who We Are: Challenge Manufacturing's mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.
Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge's success!
Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!
Who We Want:
We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead key customer programs from concept through full production launch. This individual will manage cross-functional teams, ensuring program deliverables meet or exceed customer expectations in timing, quality, and cost. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong launch discipline, technical understanding, and communication skills-capable of managing complex, high-volume automotive programs within a Tier 1 manufacturing environment.
What You'll Do:
  • Lead assigned programs through all phases-concept, design, build, validation, launch, and handoff to production.
  • Manage all aspects of program timing, open issues, and deliverables to ensure successful launch execution.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact between Challenge and the customer for engineering, quality, and launch-related activities.
  • Coordinate cross-functional support from Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Finance teams.
  • Track and report program status using timing charts, KPI dashboards, and issue-tracking tools.
  • Identify risks early and implement corrective and preventive actions to maintain launch readiness.
  • Support financial tracking and cost management in partnership with Finance and Engineering.
  • Ensure APQP, PPAP, and related customer requirements are properly executed.
  • Conduct post-launch reviews and contribute to continuous improvement of launch processes.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, communication, and collaboration within program teams.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Controls, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent).
  • 7+ years of automotive experience, preferably in stamping, welding, or assembly operations.
  • 5+ years of program or project management experience in a Tier 1 automotive environment.
  • Demonstrated success managing multiple OEM customer programs.
  • Strong understanding of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and GD&T.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, PLEX.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Proven ability to manage competing priorities and drive results in fast-paced settings.
  • Ability to travel up to 50%

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or Program Management.
  • PMP certification or equivalent.
  • Experience with Power BI, Smartsheet, or other digital launch tracking tools.
  • Exposure to EV platforms or next-generation vehicle programs.
  • Familiarity with multi-plant coordination and continuous improvement frameworks.

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