Program Manager Jobs in Utica, MI (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced and results-oriented Senior Program Manager with a proven background in automotive plastics and injection molding to lead complex customer programs from concept through production launch. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing multiple programs while ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer, quality, and business objectives.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of program management experience in the automotive plastics and injection molding industry, with a demonstrated track record of managing tooling development, product launches, APQP, PPAP, engineering changes, validation, and production readiness. This individual will serve as the primary liaison between customers, suppliers, engineering, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and executive leadership while driving cross-functional collaboration, mitigating risks, and ensuring successful program execution.

Candidates must possess direct experience managing automotive injection-molded plastic component programs. Applicants without plastics and injection molding program management experience will not be considered.

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive program plans for assigned customer programs from concept through production launch.
• Lead cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Tooling, Supply Chain, Sales, and Operations to ensure alignment and timely achievement of program milestones.
• Define program scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Manage all phases of program execution while ensuring compliance with customer specifications, quality standards, and company objectives.
• Monitor program performance using appropriate metrics and KPIs, identifying risks and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
• Develop and execute risk mitigation and contingency plans to minimize program delays and cost impacts.
• Serve as the primary customer contact, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring clear communication throughout the program lifecycle.
• Coordinate APQP, PPAP, tooling development, engineering changes, validation activities, and production readiness.
• Prepare and deliver regular program status reports, presentations, and executive updates.
• Manage program documentation, change control activities, budgets, timing, and customer deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and applicable customer and regulatory requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance program execution, customer satisfaction, and operational performance.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Management, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is strongly preferred.

• 10+ years of Senior Program Management experience leading automotive plastics and injection molding programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing injection-molded plastic component programs from concept through production launch.
• Extensive knowledge of tooling development, mold trials, APQP, PPAP, engineering changes, validation, and production readiness.
• Proven success managing complex, cross-functional programs within a Tier 1 automotive supplier or OEM manufacturing environment.
• Experience serving as the primary customer interface while managing program timing, budgets, risks, deliverables, and change management.
• Strong background in new product introduction (NPI), product development, and automotive launch management.

• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management abilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present to customers and executive leadership.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with project management software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Thorough understanding of automotive quality systems, APQP, PPAP, and product launch processes.
• High attention to detail with a commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently.
• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills.
• Collaborative leader who builds effective cross-functional relationships.
• Professional, adaptable, and customer-focused.
• Able to perform effectively under pressure while managing multiple priorities.

• Full-time, on-site position.
• Travel, including international travel to Saudi Arabia, may be required to support customer programs and business operations.
• Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the job successfully:

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.

Occasionally required to bend, squat, twist, or lift up to 10 lbs.

Ability to work in an office setting and occasionally in a plant or manufacturing environment.