Challenge Manufacturing · 2 hours ago
Lead Program Manager
Grand Rapids, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
10+ years expChallenge Manufacturing is a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry. They are seeking a proven Lead Program Manager to drive program success across multiple customer launches and internal cross-functional teams, ensuring all program teams are aligned and executing customer deliverables with precision.
AutomotiveIndustrialManufacturing
Responsibilities
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
Develop and manage program KPIs and dashboards to monitor launch readiness, open issues, and performance trends
Lead cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance) to bring product designs seamlessly into production
Mentor and supervise Sr. Program and Program Managers, ensuring consistency in project execution and launch discipline
Manage large-scale, multi-OEM launch programs and support the department in achieving deliverables
Ensure all program milestones, customer deliverables, and timing commitments are met
Review and track open issues, program timing charts, and risk mitigation plans to maintain launch readiness
Validate and manage scope changes, ECNs, and cost/timing impacts in collaboration with Finance and Engineering
Minimize project risk through proactive escalation, issue resolution, and contingency planning
Facilitate post-launch lessons-learned reviews, driving continuous improvement in program management processes
Promote a culture of accountability, communication, and cross-functional collaboration across all launch teams
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Controls, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent)
10+ years of experience in the automotive industry, preferably in stamping, welding, or assembly operations
10+ years of program or project management experience in a Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment
5+ years of experience leading and mentoring program management teams
Proven track record of launching large-scale automotive programs on time and under budget
Deep understanding of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and GD&T
Hands-on experience supporting multiple OEM customers
Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, PLEX
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, including machining, welding, fabrication, and assembly
Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills
Strong sense of accountability, ownership, and urgency in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts constructively, and influence cross-functional teams
Ability to travel up to 50%
Preferred
Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or Program Management
PMP certification or equivalent project management credential
Experience with enterprise-wide launch governance or global program oversight
Familiarity with digital launch tracking tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Power BI)
Exposure to EV platforms or next-generation vehicle programs
Proven success implementing continuous improvement frameworks or standardized launch processes across multiple plants
Experience presenting at the executive level and leading customer-facing program reviews
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