Challenge Manufacturing · 5 hours ago
Sr. Program Manager
Grand Rapids, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
7+ years expChallenge Manufacturing is a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, focused on operational excellence and innovative solutions. They are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead key customer programs from concept through full production launch, managing cross-functional teams to ensure program deliverables meet customer expectations in timing, quality, and cost.
AutomotiveIndustrialManufacturing
Responsibilities
Lead assigned programs through all phases—concept, design, build, validation, launch, and handoff to production
Manage all aspects of program timing, open issues, and deliverables to ensure successful launch execution
Serve as the primary point of contact between Challenge and the customer for engineering, quality, and launch-related activities
Coordinate cross-functional support from Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Finance teams
Track and report program status using timing charts, KPI dashboards, and issue-tracking tools
Identify risks early and implement corrective and preventive actions to maintain launch readiness
Support financial tracking and cost management in partnership with Finance and Engineering
Ensure APQP, PPAP, and related customer requirements are properly executed
Conduct post-launch reviews and contribute to continuous improvement of launch processes
Promote a culture of accountability, communication, and collaboration within program teams
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Controls, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent)
7+ years of automotive experience, preferably in stamping, welding, or assembly operations
5+ years of program or project management experience in a Tier 1 automotive environment
Demonstrated success managing multiple OEM customer programs
Strong understanding of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and GD&T
Proficient in Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, PLEX
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Proven ability to manage competing priorities and drive results in fast-paced settings
Ability to travel up to 50%
Preferred
Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or Program Management
PMP certification or equivalent
Experience with Power BI, Smartsheet, or other digital launch tracking tools
Exposure to EV platforms or next-generation vehicle programs
Familiarity with multi-plant coordination and continuous improvement frameworks
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
Flexible Spending Accounts
Company-paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
Voluntary Life and Long-Term Disability options
Employer 401k Match
ESOP shares
Tuition reimbursement
Referral Bonus Program
Challenge Incentive Program
Paid time off
Company
Challenge Manufacturing
Challenge Manufacturing is an automotive company offering stamped and welded automotive assemblies.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Challenge Manufacturing has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (9)
2024 (11)
2023 (11)
2022 (13)
2021 (6)
2020 (7)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$100M2021-02-02Debt Financing· $100M
Leadership Team
Doug Bradley
President & CEO
Recent News
2025-08-05
Business Wire
2023-10-16
Company data provided by crunchbase