Lead Program Manager

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Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day;

they are the true driving force in our operations.

We are seeking a proven Lead Program Manager to drive program success across multiple customer launches and internal cross‑functional teams. In this leadership capacity, you will ensure all affiliated program teams are supported, aligned, and executing customer deliverables with precision. You will oversee all aspects of the launch process—ensuring internal and external customer requirements are consistently met or exceeded in timing, quality, and cost.

This position plays a key role in shaping launch excellence, managing complex, high‑volume automotive programs, and serving as a trusted liaison between executive leadership, customers, and plant operations.

• Provide overall program leadership and accountability from concept through full production launch.
• Deliver timing, quality, and cost KPI reports to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Develop and manage program KPIs and dashboards to monitor launch readiness, open issues, and performance trends.
• Lead cross‑functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance) to bring product designs seamlessly into production.
• Mentor and supervise Senior Program and Program Managers, ensuring consistency in project execution and launch discipline.
• Manage large‑scale, multi‑OEM launch programs and support the department in achieving deliverables.
• Ensure all program milestones, customer deliverables, and timing commitments are met.
• Review and track open issues, program timing charts, and risk mitigation plans to maintain launch readiness.
• Validate and manage scope changes, ECNs, and cost/timing impacts in collaboration with Finance and Engineering.
• Minimize project risk through proactive escalation, issue resolution, and contingency planning.
• Facilitate post‑launch lessons‑learned reviews, driving continuous improvement in program management processes.
• Promote a culture of accountability, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration across all launch teams.

The position is located at the Corporate Office in Walker, MI. Occasionally, this may require you to arrive early, stay late, or work on weekends, outside of our regular hours, to ensure we successfully meet customer needs, deadlines, or urgent requests.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Controls, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent).
• 10+ years of experience in the automotive industry, preferably in stamping, welding, or assembly operations.
• 10+ years of program or project management experience in a Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of experience leading and mentoring program management teams.
• Proven track record of launching large‑scale automotive programs on time and under budget.
• Deep understanding of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and GD&T.
• Hands‑on experience supporting multiple OEM customers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and PLEX.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, including machining, welding, fabrication, and assembly.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong sense of accountability, ownership, and urgency in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts constructively, and influence cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Program Management.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credential.
• Experience…