Abrazo Group

Our client, a leading gaming and entertainment products company in Elk Grove Village, IL is seeking a Director of Program Management to lead complex product development, manufacturing launch, and retail readiness programs.

As the company continues to expand its product portfolio and manufacturing operations, they are seeking an experienced Director of Program Management to lead enterprise wide program execution across engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, and new product introduction.

This leader will own the PMO function, ensuring complex product development programs move efficiently from concept through production launch while maintaining alignment across engineering, manufacturing, quality, procurement, operations, and executive leadership.

The ideal candidate comes directly from an automotive manufacturing environment, bringing extensive experience leading Program Management or PMO organizations responsible for new product launches, manufacturing readiness, supplier coordination, and cross functional execution.

This is a mandatory onsite leadership position located in greater Chicago, Illinois.

Ideal Background

We are specifically seeking candidates with leadership experience from:

• Automotive OEM manufacturing
• Tier 1 automotive suppliers
• Automotive Program Management Office (PMO)
• Manufacturing Operations
• New Product Introduction (NPI)
• Vehicle or product launch management
• High volume manufacturing
• Coupled with SDLC or Software Development

Ideal employers include organizations such as Ford, GM, Stellantis, Toyota, Honda, Rivian, Tesla, Lucid, Magna, Bosch, Denso, Lear, Aptiv, Adient, ZF, or similarly complex manufacturing organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years leading complex manufacturing programs within automotive manufacturing
• Experience managing enterprise PMO organizations or large cross functional program portfolios
• Expertise in APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, Change Management, Production Launch, and Manufacturing Readiness
• Strong knowledge of engineering change management and supplier launch coordination
• Experience partnering with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Operations leadership
• Demonstrated success improving PMO processes, governance, and launch execution
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field
• PMP certification preferred but not required

Who will be successful

The ideal candidate is a hands on manufacturing leader who thrives in fast paced product development environments. They know how to bring structure, accountability, and execution discipline to complex manufacturing organizations while partnering effectively with engineering, operations, and executive leadership. They understand that successful product launches depend on aligning engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, quality, and production long before the first unit reaches the production floor.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, Product Development, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent hands on experience in manufacturing leadership, product launch, technical program management, or operations leadership will also be considered.

Why This Role Matters

This role is critical to bringing complex entertainment products to market with stronger alignment, better launch discipline, and cleaner execution. The Director of Program Management will help connect creative product development with manufacturing reality, ensuring new products are launched on time, with clear ownership, quality, and readiness across the organization.

This is a full time, onsite leadership opportunity located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, offering a competitive base salary range of $150,000 - $170,000, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to help shape the future of a growing manufacturing organization.