Customer Program Manager

Description

 Drive innovation and excellence—lead customer programs that shape the future of mobility with a Tier 1 automotive leader! 

The Customer Program Manager reports to the VP of Strategic Operations and is responsible for managing and executing customer-facing projects, ensuring alignment with client expectations, and maintaining strong relationships with Tier 1 automotive manufacturers. This role requires a hands-on, proactive leader who will coordinate across cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, quality, and logistics, to ensure the timely and quality delivery of products and services. The ideal candidate will have experience in the forging industry or a similar manufacturing environment, a deep understanding of customer requirements in automotive supply, and strong project management skills.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end program management, from project initiation to final delivery, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Develop and implement project plans, schedules, risk assessments, and resource allocations for each customer program.
• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned customers, providing regular updates on project progress and addressing any concerns or changes.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Tier 1 automotive customers.
• Understand customer requirements, specifications, and expectations, and ensure alignment of internal processes to meet them.
• Proactively address and resolve customer issues or delays, escalating as needed to ensure project success.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including engineering, production, quality, and logistics, to ensure successful program execution.
• Coordinate program kickoffs and facilitate regular meetings to review progress, milestones, and deliverables with internal teams.
• Work with the quality department to ensure all customer specifications and standards are met throughout production.
• Monitor program budgets and profitability, ensuring that projects are delivered within cost constraints.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and maximize profitability while meeting customer expectations.
• Prepare financial reports and forecasts for management review, tracking progress against budget and cost savings initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the program management process, including lessons learned and feedback from customers and internal teams.
• Develop and implement best practices for customer program management to optimize delivery and improve customer satisfaction.
• Participate in post-program reviews and contribute to refining strategies for future programs.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of program or project management experience in a Tier 1 automotive supply environment, preferably in the forging industry.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, particularly in forging or similar industries.
• Proven project management skills with experience in managing large-scale customer programs.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with both customers and internal teams.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project) and ERP systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on delivering results in a dynamic environment.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification preferred.
• Customer-focused with a dedication to exceeding customer expectations.
• Strong organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
• Adaptable and resilient, capable of navigating complex challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Salary : $110,000 - $125,000