Lead Program Manager, CapEx

About Rivian

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions‑free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.

As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

This Lead Program Manager will spearhead the strategic execution and oversight of large‑scale Capital Expenditure (Cap Ex) programs. This role focuses on aligning multi‑million dollar investments with broader vehicle line strategies and long‑term corporate initiatives. This role is based in Atlanta, GA;
Plymouth, MI;
Irvine, CA; or Normal, IL and will report to the Sr. Manager, Program Management - Cap Ex.

• Drive the integration of Cap Ex strategy with Vehicle Line and Manufacturing Engineering teams to ensure capital investments directly support product launch timelines and volume targets.
• Manage the overarching lifecycle of Cap Ex programs, focusing on portfolio‑level budget and schedule management.
• Drive strategic priorities across multiple programs semi‑autonomously, leading individual contributors and people leaders to advance complex efforts.
• Collaborate with Vehicle Line, Manufacturing, Finance, Facilities, and Legal to define high‑level requirements and ensure procurement strategies align with the company's long‑term technology roadmap.
• Proactively identify and mitigate systemic risks across program portfolios. Partner with GSMs (Global Supply Managers) to prepare impact analyses on the global tariff landscape and supply chain volatility to protect program.
• Act as the primary liaison between technical departments and corporate finance, communicating program health, risk profiles, and mitigation strategies to stakeholders at all levels.
• Be the lead negotiator and "interpreter of information" to gain buy‑in across diverse working groups and resolve program‑level conflicts without escalation. Embody "Ask Why" behavior, ensuring every task or data point drives measurable impact toward program goals.
• Partner with Finance, Manufacturing, Facilities, and Capex leadership to develop multi‑year Cap Ex forecasts and drive inputs for long‑range planning.
• Lead the development and implementation of standardized frameworks for tracking and reporting on massive capital outlays, ensuring transparency.
• Drive continuous improvement within the Cap Ex lifecycle, focusing on cost optimization, procurement efficiency, and the development of robust internal tools, policies, templates and reporting.

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in Strategic Sourcing, Program Management, or Finance, with a heavy emphasis on large‑scale Capital Expenditure (Cap Ex) within the automotive or high‑tech manufacturing sectors.
• Proven ability to manage a portfolio of complex, high‑value programs rather than isolated projects, demonstrating an understanding of how individual assets impact the broader vehicle program.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. An MBA or PMP certification is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of capital equipment acquisition, contract negotiation, global tariffs, and the interplay between manufacturing scale‑up and financial performance.
• Exceptional presentation and negotiation skills, with a track record of influencing senior leadership and navigating complex cross‑functional environments.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Coupa) and data‑driven decision‑making tools.
• Ability to operate independently in a high‑pressure, dynamic environment, managing multiple high‑priority initiatives simultaneously.

The salary range for this role is $125,800 - $157,200 for Atlanta, Georgia, Plymouth, Michigan, and Normal, Illinois based applicants and $137,800 - $172,200 for Irvine, California based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith…