Program Manager

Title: Program Manager

Location: Farmington, Michigan (Onsite)

Duration: Full Time

Job Summary

Job Description for the Program Manager

Position Overview

The Program Manager plays a critical role in overseeing and executing all die engineering and tooling-related program activities. This position requires a deep technical understanding of stamping die production processes — including CAE analysis, die design, tryout, and homeline buyoff — as well as strong project leadership and customer relationship management skills.

The Program Manager ensures that projects are executed on time, within budget, and meet or exceed customer expectations in quality and performance. Given that manufacturing and engineering resources are primarily based in China, and customer trials and buyoffs take place in North America, this position requires frequent international and domestic travel and a high degree of cross-cultural communication and coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Execution

Lead and coordinate all aspects of assigned die programs from quotation through final customer buyoff.

Develop and maintain detailed program timelines, budgets, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with customer and internal milestones.

Manage the Phase-Gate Process, ensuring timely completion of each phase and maintaining robust documentation.

Provide clear direction and coordination between cross-functional teams in Engineering, Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and Finance to ensure smooth program execution.

Quotation and Cost Management

Collaborate with finance and engineering teams to develop and review accurate cost models and quotations, ensuring competitiveness and profitability.

Analyze quotation assumptions versus actual performance to identify cost improvement opportunities and lessons learned.

Support the preparation and negotiation of RFQs, technical proposals, and business cases with customers.

Customer Interface & Communication

Serve as the primary technical and program contact for assigned customers, managing day-to-day communication and issue resolution.

Support on-site customer activities, including tryout events, buyoff reviews, and program meetings, to ensure alignment and satisfaction.

Facilitate customer feedback loops and proactively address issues related to design, process, or timing.

Technical and Engineering Coordination

Provide direction and leadership in CAE, die design, and tryout stages, ensuring technical issues are identified early and resolved efficiently.

Work closely with engineering teams to evaluate simulation results, design feasibility, and manufacturability improvements.

Ensure all tooling designs meet customer specifications, safety standards, and quality requirements.

Program Tracking and Reporting

Establish and maintain comprehensive Open Issue Lists (OIL) and action plans, tracking all open concerns through resolution.

Generate regular program status reports, highlighting key risks, upcoming milestones, and financial health indicators.

Present program updates to management and customers with professional clarity and accuracy.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Lead internal and external Program Review Meetings to align resources, address bottlenecks, and track progress.

Promote teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement across global teams.

Support new business pursuits by developing pursuit strategies, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline.

8+ years plus of progressive experience in program management, preferably within automotive tooling, die design, or manufacturing industries.

Demonstrated experience leading programs through all stages — from quotation and design to tryout, launch, and final buyoff.

Technical Skills

Proficiency in CATIA and Unigraphics (NX); solid understanding of stamping die design principles.

Familiarity with CAE and forming simulation tools such as AutoForm or DynaForm.

Strong analytical ability to interpret engineering data, cost models, and simulation results.

Understanding of GD&T, manufacturing processes, materials, and quality systems (APQP, PPAP) is preferred.

Project Management Skills

Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under tight timelines.

Strong understanding of budget control, risk management, and resource allocation.

Skilled in developing and maintaining project schedules, cost summaries, and communication dashboards.

Soft Skills

Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional and international teams.

Exceptional communication and presentation abilities — both written and verbal — with experience interacting directly with customers and executives.

Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in identifying risks and opportunities.

Culturally adaptable, collaborative, and able to work effectively in global environments.

Other Requirements

Willingness and ability to travel frequently.

Valid passport and ability to obtain travel visas when required.

Commitment to values of integrity, quality, and continuous improvement.