Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Agile Programming Methodologies, Analysis Skills, Automotive Industry, Automotive Manufacturing, Best Practices, Budget Management, Budgeting, Business Strategy, Calendar Management, Change Management, Communication Skills, Contingency Plans, Continuous Improvement, Cost Control, Cost Forecasting, Cross-Functional, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Matrix Management, Multitasking, Organizational Skills, Performance Analysis, Performance Metrics, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Program Planning, Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Software, Project/Program Coordination, Project/Program Management, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Resource Management, Risk Analysis, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Time Management, Variance Analysis
About the role
The Program Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing programs that align with organizational goals. This role involves managing multiple projects within a program, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring successful delivery within scope, budget, and timeline.
This position is located in Blacksburg, Virginia and is not telework eligible.
What you'll do
- Define program objectives, scope, deliverables, and success criteria in alignment with business strategy.
- Develop, maintain, and execute integrated program plans, including schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
- Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver program objectives on time, within scope, and within budget.
- Monitor program performance, identify risks and dependencies, and implement effective mitigation and contingency plans.
- Establish and lead regular program management reviews, including governance, escalation, and decision-making forums.
- Communicate program status, risks, issues, and progress through clear, structured updates to leadership and customers.
- Ensure compliance with organizational standards, policies, and applicable regulatory or customer requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement and best practices in program management, including workflow optimization, task simplification, and lead-time reduction.
- Define, track, and achieve effectiveness and efficiency KPIs for program execution and launches, ensuring on-time delivery of samples and PPAP submissions
- Manage resource allocation across projects and resolve priority conflicts to support overall program success.
- Own program financial performance, including cost control, forecasting, and variance analysis.
- Serve as the primary interface between commercial, engineering, operations, and customers for assigned programs.
- Support change management and ensure controlled execution of scope, schedule, and cost changes.
Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or a related field.
· Minimum of 5 years of experience in program or project management, preferably within the automotive industry.
· Demonstrated experience with APQP and PPAP tools in an automotive manufacturing environment.
· Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and cross-functional coordination skills in a matrix organization.
· Proficiency in program management tools and methodologies, with Agile experience preferred.
· Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management capabilities.
· PMP and/or PgMP certification preferred.
Key Competencies
· Strategic thinking and strong problem-solving capability.
· Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
· Strong analytical skills with sound judgment and decision-making ability.
· Collaborative, adaptable, and results-oriented.
· Hands-on leader with the ability to lead and achieve results through influence within a matrix organization.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Wolverine Advanced Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer.