Program Manager - Bilstein Defense

Company

thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc. is a world class manufacturer of suspension solutions headquartered in Hamilton, Ohio USA. thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America supplies products to a wide range of Original Equipment Automotive Manufacturers as well as Aftermarket and Motorsports customers. Our Aftermarket operations are based out of Poway, CA and our Motorsports operations are based out of Mooresville, NC.

For decades, the name BILSTEIN has been synonymous with high tech in suspension design, driving comfort, and safety. In order to expand this position BILSTEIN became a division of thyssenkrupp Technologies AG in 1988, and a wholly owned subsidiary in 2005. This partnership has enabled us to continue the BILSTEIN tradition of excellence.

Position Summary

The Program Manager is responsible for driving business growth and leading program execution for BILSTEIN Defense. Serving as the primary customer interface, this role manages opportunities from initial pursuit through production and ongoing support, ensuring achievement of commercial, technical, quality, timing, and profitability objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

• Identify, pursue, and secure new defense and military vehicle business opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, government agencies, OEMs, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Lead capture activities, proposal development, pricing strategies, business cases, and contract support.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop competitive solutions and support long‑term growth strategies.
• Monitor market trends and represent BILSTEIN Defense at customer and industry events.

Program Management

• Lead cross-functional teams through program launch, development, production, and customer support.
• Manage program scope, schedules, budgets, risks, profitability, and customer requirements.
• Track project performance, drive issue resolution, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Provide regular program updates to leadership and ensure adherence to established project management processes.
• Coordinate engineering changes, maintain project documentation, and support domestic and international travel as required.

Selection Criteria:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive Defense, heavy vehicle, and automotive industry experience with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Proven success leading large, complex programs from capture through execution and delivery.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Drives strategic business growth through customer relationship management, capture planning, proposal development, contract negotiations, and identification of new business opportunities.
• Proven ability to build and maintain executive‑level customer relationships, driving customer satisfaction, long‑term partnerships, and revenue growth.
• Strong track record of collaborating with customers, suppliers, leadership, and cross‑functional teams to deliver business and program objectives.
• Action‑oriented leader with strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, and organizational skills.
• Effective communicator with executive presentation experience and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Technically proficient and comfortable participating in engineering and product development discussions.
• Capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project

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