Application Center Manager

ODU-USA | Camarillo or San Diego, CA (On-Site)

Turn Customer Opportunities into Market-Ready Solutions

ODU is a privately held global technology manufacturer headquartered in Germany, with operations in more than 50 countries worldwide. Our products support mission-critical applications across medical technology, industrial automation, aerospace, defense, and communications industries.

As ODU continues to grow across North America, we are seeking a customer-focused professional to lead custom connector and cable assembly opportunities from concept through production launch. This is a highly visible role that combines customer engagement, project leadership, technical coordination, and commercial strategy.

You'll work closely with customers, Regional Sales Managers, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to develop innovative solutions, drive successful project execution, and deliver an exceptional customer experience. From understanding application requirements and coordinating quotations to leading cross-functional project teams, you'll play a key role in helping customers bring new products to market.

If you enjoy building relationships, solving complex challenges, coordinating teams, and turning opportunities into successful business outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

Project Management & Execution

• Lead custom application opportunities from initial concept through production launch.
• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Sales teams.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and proactively drive issue resolution.
• Facilitate project reviews, status updates, and stakeholder communications.
• Manage project scope changes and ensure alignment on customer expectations and business commitments.
• Coordinate with global ODU teams as required to support project execution and successful outcomes.

Quotation & Commercial Coordination

• Lead the quotation process for custom connector and cable assembly opportunities.
• Coordinate cross-functional input to develop accurate, competitive, and profitable proposals.
• Review project costs, assumptions, timelines, risks, and margin expectations.
• Maintain clear documentation of customer requirements, project commitments, and commercial assumptions.
• Support opportunity planning and successful transition into production.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve project visibility, communication, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Support implementation of tools, systems, and processes that improve project execution and customer experience.
• Contribute to best practices for managing custom opportunities from intake through production launch.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in project management, technical sales, application engineering, operations, manufacturing, or a similar cross-functional role.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer relationship skills.
• Ability to translate technical and business requirements into actionable project plans.
• Proven ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, industrial, electronics, engineered products, connectors, or cable assemblies.
• Experience managing customer-facing projects involving custom solutions or new product introductions.
• Exposure to quotations, pricing, cost analysis, or commercial project evaluation.
• Experience coordinating projects across multiple departments and global teams.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or similar project management training is a plus.

About ODU

ODU is a global leader in precision connector systems and cable assembly solutions used in demanding industries including medical technology, aerospace & defense, industrial automation, energy, and test & measurement. Our success is built on innovation, customer partnership, and delivering solutions that perform in the most challenging environments.

We are seeking a highly organized and customer-focused Application Center Manager to lead custom opportunity execution from initial customer engagement through production launch. This role serves as the central project leader, coordinating customers, sales, engineering, operations, and global stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of complex technical solutions.

If you enjoy managing cross-functional projects, collaborating with technical teams, and driving customer-focused business results, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join ODU?

At ODU, you'll work alongside talented professionals who are passionate about innovation, collaboration, and delivering exceptional solutions to customers around the world. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, career…