Production Project Manager

Position Summary

As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward‑thinking, open‑minded, and well‑rounded individuals to join our global team. Gates is looking for a Technical Program Manager located out of our Rochester Hills (MI) or Englewood (CO) office.

• Develop and maintain all technical and timing aspects of customer projects following the Gates Program Management Process.
• Support Sales and Application Engineers with bringing targeted products from specification to production – including prototype, production coordination, customer communication, technical review presentations, and closing out to on‑going production.
• Support ongoing production programs with engineering or BOM changes and other related activities on an ongoing basis.
• Interface with key customers and multiple internal functions to execute new business and build customer relationships.

• Ownership of the production implementation of targeted business with our customers.
• Lead and coordinate diverse internal teams (sales, engineering, quality, production) to achieve program goals.
• Act as the main point of communication between internal teams and the customer, managing relationships and communication to ensure alignment.
• Responsible for creating and managing program milestones, timeline, and overall deliverables.
• Manage each project’s deliverables, track costs, and delivery to customer commitments.
• Provide regular and concise updates and reports on program status, progress, and challenges to senior leadership and other stakeholders.
• Identify and manage critical program dependencies and risks, developing comprehensive mitigation strategies and effectively escalating issues when necessary.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate program effectiveness and implement process improvements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical discipline from an accredited institution required.
• 8‑12 years of experience in managing technical projects within manufacturing, product development, or engineering environments.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, hybrid).
• Experience working with PLM systems, ERP systems, and engineering documentation.
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced, technical environment, with multiple competing priorities.
• Ability to adapt quickly to change and drive change.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to influence with and without authority.
• Excited to work in the office with great teammates.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.

• PMP, Agile, or similar project management certification.
• Experience driving rapid development processes for an industrial manufacturer.
• Knowledge of DFMEA/PFMEA and structured problem‑solving tools (8D, A3, DMAIC).
• Global work experience and perspective.
• Full‑Time.
• Bonus Eligible: 10%.
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire.
• Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued.
• 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job‑related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.