Program Manager

Job Title: Program Manager

Job Description

The Program Manager will ensure adherence to Program Management - Project Launch Procedure, support the RFQ process, and develop a program plan and Master Schedule that meets customer and internal requirements. The goal is to achieve a successful program launch on time and under budget.

Responsibilities

• Utilize the program timeline to communicate deliverables and due dates to all stakeholders.
• Coordinate weekly PMT/PMSU meetings with all functional leaders, including Design, Purchasing, Engineering, Plant Management, Supply Chain Management, and Quality Management.
• Act as a central communication point for the team to ensure awareness of deliverables and timing commitments.
• Manage open issues documentation and communicate the impact of scope changes regarding cost, timing, quality improvements, and risk management.
• Conduct periodic Senior Management Gateway reviews to confirm adherence to program deliverables and the master schedule.
• Negotiate and resolve all customer, supplier, and internal issues affecting program schedules, cost, and requirements.
• Support the development of the program-level R&D budget at RFQ and manage the program to budget throughout development.
• Approve all R&D material purchase orders to the EREQ process.
• Manage financial performance of programs, ensuring cost targets are met throughout trials and launch.
• Establish quantity requirements for trials and builds, including customer requirements, testing, PE trials, and Quality trials.
• Support the Prototype Management Team in overseeing material trial orders and trial shipments to customers.
• Support tooling buy-off activities for new injection molds/equipment/CAPX and supplier equipment.
• Support facilities for tool/CAPX/part trials or other process improvement activities.
• Coordinate run-at-rate events with customers and suppliers.
• Support internal Jisyu trial events.
• Lead APQP teams and provide ongoing status updates to upper management.
• Complete OEM customer-required documentation until project launch.
• Conduct change management reviews to manage the financial impact on all quotes provided to customers.
• Lead the EOP Management Process to control obsolescence and service production.
• Monitor and track KPI targets for projects.
• Work in compliance with safety standards and maintain awareness of potential dangers.
• Follow established work practices supporting compliance with company policies, safety standards, 5S practices, and regulatory or customer requirements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Business-related discipline OR 5 years of automotive experience in Engineering/Program Management.
• 3-5 years of experience in program management or engineering management of major OEM programs, or a combination of education and PMP certificates with program management experience.
• Experience interfacing with Automotive OEMs such as Nissan, Toyota, and/or Honda.
• Proficiency in SAP, engineering degree.
• Experience working with Windows operating system and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience creating timelines and schedules in Microsoft Project or similar format.
• Experience with SAP/PLM/PLEX software.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• OEM customer and automotive program management experience.
• Opportunity to work with a growing and stable automotive supplier.
• Long-term opportunity.
• Hybrid schedule offering flexibility between plant and remote work.

Work Environment

The position offers a hybrid work environment, with a few days in the plant located in Manchester, TN, and potential remote work depending on workload. Office space is available in Murfreesboro, TN. The fast-paced automotive environment requires adaptability to consistently changing customer needs. The role involves working independently at times and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The position reports to the VP of Program Management based in Michigan and involves collaboration with two other Program Managers in Tennessee.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Manchester, Tennessee.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $55.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Manchester,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $48 - $55