Program Manager

Your Key Responsibilities

• Program Manager I manages one or more projects with internal as well as external customers.
• Cultivate and own the strategic relationship with the customer, acting as their primary advocate and the main point of contact for all program matters.
• Lead technical reviews with the customer, with the authority to present information directly or delegate to subject matter experts.
• Ensure delivery of the projects assigned including all relevant steps, milestones, gateways and resources.
• Monitor project progress in terms of time, costs, quality (TCQ) and derive measures in case of deviations or claims.
• Lead the project team members functionally and coordinate all involved external service providers, resources or stakeholders.
• Actively pursue and secure new business by leading the creation of compelling responses to RFIs and RFQs.
• Own and enforce adherence to the CAPCO process and all relevant corporate/customer standards. You are the owner of all program audits (S) and customer APQP activities (S).
• Develop and manage the project budget (PIT), while supporting the detailed tracking of product, project, and prototype costs to ensure financial discipline (S).
• Oversee the end-to-end change management process for both product and project modifications, ensuring rigorous impact analysis and clear stakeholder communication.
• Manage and provide final approval for all high or medium-risk prototype deviations. Initiate and lead internal escalation meetings (Red Light/Yellow Light) to proactively address and mitigate risks.
• Central Point of Communication: Serve as the single source of truth for all technical and timing-related communications with the customer.

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in program or project management, specifically within a manufacturing, automotive, or complex technology industry.
• Proven experience in a direct customer-facing role, with demonstrated success in
• negotiation, relationship building, and managing complex accounts.
• Strong business acumen and a deep understanding of project financials, including budget management, cost tracking, and profitability analysis.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to lead through influence in a cross-functional, matrixed environment.
• Expert-level communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with enterprise project management software (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Planisware).
• A proven track record of successfully leading projects from the new business quoting phase through to serial production.
• Must be willing to travel up to 25%. 
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US. 

Our Offering

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and 401k eligible with up to 6% company match
• Company Vehicle
• Regular employee appreciation and company events
• Please see all our benefit offerings at Schaeffler Benefits