Challenge Manufacturing
Automotive
LeadProgramManager
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Lead candidates.
“Lead Program Manager at Challenge Manufacturing. Skills: Program Management, Automotive Launch, Cross-functional Teams, Stakeholder Management. Provide program leadership. Provide program accountability”
What You'll Achieve.
Meet customer requirements; Exceed customer requirements; Achieve department deliverables
Industry & Context.
Issue resolution; Risk mitigation; Contingency planning
Occasional early arrival, Occasional late stay, Occasional weekend work, Travel up to 50%
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, 10+ years automotive industry experience, 10+ years program management experience, 5+ years leading program management teams, Proven track record launching automotive programs, Deep understanding of APQP, Deep understanding of PPAP, Deep understanding of PFMEA, Deep understanding of Control Plans, Deep understanding of GD&T, Hands-on experience supporting multiple OEM customers, Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Knowledge of manufacturing processes, Excellent leadership skills, Excellent organizational skills, Excellent communication skills, Sense of accountability, Sense of ownership, Sense of urgency, Ability to build relationships, Ability to resolve conflicts constructively, Ability to influence cross-functional teams, Ability to travel up to 50%
Nice to Have
Master's degree in Engineering, Master's degree in Business, Master's degree in Program Management, PMP certification, Experience with launch governance, Experience with global program oversight, Familiarity with digital launch tracking tools, Exposure to EV platforms, Exposure to next-generation vehicle programs, Success implementing continuous improvement frameworks, Success implementing standardized launch processes, Experience presenting at executive level, Experience leading customer-facing program reviews
What You'll Do.
Provide program leadership
Provide program accountability
Monitor launch readiness
Monitor performance trends
Lead cross-functional teams
Bring product designs into production
Mentor Program Managers
Supervise Program Managers
Ensure consistency in project execution
Ensure launch discipline
Manage multi-OEM launch programs
Support department deliverables
Ensure program milestones are met
Ensure customer deliverables are met
Ensure timing commitments are met
Track program timing charts
Track risk mitigation plans
Maintain launch readiness
Validate scope changes
Manage timing impacts
Minimize project risk
Facilitate lessons-learned reviews
Drive continuous improvement
Promote accountability
Promote communication
Promote cross-functional collaboration
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Cross-functional teams; Executive leadership; Customers; Plant operations
Communication Scope
KPI reporting; Executive presentations; Customer reviews
Process & Methodology
Program Management, Project Management
Full Job Description
Who We Are: 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. Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success! Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered! Who We Want: 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 CMC’s 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. What You'll Do: 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. D
Applying for this Lead Program Manager role?
Most applicants get filtered before a human reads their resume. See if yours makes the cut.
ANONYMOUS · UNFILTERED
What do employees actually say about Challenge Manufacturing?
Real rants from real employees. Read before you apply.