The Customer Program Manager reports to the VP of Strategic Operations and is responsible for managing and executing customer-facing projects, ensuring alignment with client expectations, and maintaining strong relationships with Tier 1 automotive manufacturers. This role requires a hands-on, proactive leader who will coordinate across cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, quality, and logistics, to ensure the timely and quality delivery of products and services. The ideal candidate will have experience in the forging industry or a similar manufacturing environment, a deep understanding of customer requirements in automotive supply, and strong project management skills.
Duties/ Responsibilities: • Lead end-to-end program management, from project initiation to final delivery, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. • Develop and implement project plans, schedules, risk assessments, and resource allocations for each customer program. • Act as the primary point of contact for assigned customers, providing regular updates on project progress and addressing any concerns or changes. • Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Tier 1 automotive customers. • Understand customer requirements, specifications, and expectations, and ensure alignment of internal processes to meet them. • Proactively address and resolve customer issues or delays, escalating as needed to ensure project success. • Collaborate with internal teams, including engineering, production, quality, and logistics, to ensure successful program execution. • Coordinate program kickoffs and facilitate regular meetings to review progress, milestones, and deliverables with internal teams. • Work with the quality department to ensure all customer specifications and standards are met throughout production. • Monitor program budgets and profitability, ensuring that projects are delivered within cost constraints. • Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and maximize profitability while meeting customer expectations. • Prepare financial reports and forecasts for management review, tracking progress against budget and cost savings initiatives. • Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the program management process, including lessons learned and feedback from customers and internal teams. • Develop and implement best practices for customer program management to optimize delivery and improve customer satisfaction. • Participate in post-program reviews and contribute to refining strategies for future programs.
Required Skills/Abilities: • Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, particularly in forging or similar industries. • Proven project management skills with experience in managing large-scale customer programs. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with both customers and internal teams. • Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project) and ERP systems. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on delivering results in a dynamic environment. • PMP or equivalent project management certification preferred. • Customer-focused with a dedication to exceeding customer expectations. • Strong organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple priorities. • Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement. • Adaptable and resilient, capable of navigating complex challenges in a fast-paced environment.
Education and Experience: • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred. • Minimum of 5-7 years of program or project management experience in a Tier 1 automotive supply environment, preferably in the forging industry.