Sr. Program Manager, Production & Engineering Change

Why Dakkota

For over 24 years, Dakkota Integrated Systems has delivered excellence through precision-engineered, build-to-order vehicle components from cockpits to fascia assemblies. Our award-winning team combines advanced lean manufacturing, strong product development, and a highly efficient supply chain to meet customer demands with reliability and innovation.

If you're looking for a company that empowers you to grow while driving excellence, collaboration, and innovation to create real impact, we’d love to meet you.

The role

We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Sr. Program Manager, Production & Engineering Change to lead our efforts in driving engineering change management and program execution across multiple platforms. This role is responsible for overseeing cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with customers and internal requirements, and delivering programs on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

The ideal candidate is an innovative, data-driven leader with a passion for operational excellence, engineering process optimization, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and growth. This individual will play a critical role in aligning program objectives with business goals, resolving escalated issues, and ensuring program execution that meet safety, quality, cost, and timing targets. This position is a hybrid/remote role based in Michigan and reports to the Director of PMO as part of the Program Management team.

What You’ll Do

• Engineering Change Management: Drive and support engineering change processes for both customer-driven and internal changes. Coordinate quoting, costing, planning, implementation, and closure of engineering changes for new and existing programs. Chair Change Authorization & Implementation meetings and ensure timely execution of approved changes.
• Program Leadership & Oversight: Lead cross-functional program teams in executing Business System, Product Delivery Process (PDP) guidelines, and Engineering Change processes. Establish and communicate program-specific deliverables related to timing, quality, and completeness. Monitor progress, track milestones, and lead monthly program reviews with executive management. Elevate issues and remove barriers to ensure successful program execution.
• Program Leadership & Oversight: Lead cross-functional program teams in executing Business System, Product Delivery Process (PDP) guidelines, and Engineering Change processes. Establish and communicate program-specific deliverables related to timing, quality, and completeness. Hold the cross-functional team accountable to meet agreed-upon deliverables and milestones. Monitor progress, track milestones, and lead monthly program reviews with executive management. Elevate issues and remove barriers to ensure successful program execution.
• Strategic Program Planning: Ensure program planning aligns with established objectives and company targets for: Safety, Quality, Cost, Timing. Lead program review activities for assigned programs.
• Technical & Operational Leadership: Oversee content development, manufacturing requirements, cost analysis, design compliance, tooling and equipment, material sourcing, program contracts, timing, resource allocation, and facilities planning. Ensure overall quality of design PDP deliverables to operating divisions. Promote coordination between manufacturing and product engineering in design control activities.
• Customer & Executive Engagement: Facilitate program and phase reviews. Lead resolution of key customer concerns. Support executive-level interactions with customers, plants, and internal stakeholders. Be actively engaged and, as required, serve as the single point of contact or liaison for the customer on Engineering Changes, ensuring clear communication and alignment throughout the process.
• Team Leadership & Development: Provide direction, coaching, and mentorship to team members. Promote cross-functional collaboration and resolve escalated program issues.
• Safety, Compliance & Administrative: Initiate and approve purchase requisitions for contracted work. Document all activities as required and adhere to company safety and emergency guidelines. Ensure safety remains the number one priority by fostering a culture of safety and leading by example in all actions and decisions. Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by management.
  
  

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in business or technical engineering discipline, with a preference for Mechanical or Industrial Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of program management experience in an automotive manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Experience working with GM and Ford, including familiarity with their internal change management systems and processes.
• Proficient in PC applications for cost tracking, budgeting, and spreadsheet analysis.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets, analyze cost impacts, and support data-driven decisions.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven track record of leading project teams and managing cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability in problem-solving, business decision-making, and delivering effective presentations.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information with discretion.
  
  

Health, Safety, Physical & Travel Requirements

• Typical physical demands include a combination of sitting, standing, and walking, with sufficient mobility to navigate both office and plant environments.
• Ability to perform standard computer-based tasks as part of daily responsibilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% as required by the role.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  
  

Life at Dakkota

Our success is rooted in meaningful relationships and a culture that feels like family. We champion compassion, respect, and work-life balance, while supporting each team member’s personal and professional growth. Through ongoing development, competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package, we empower our people to thrive both at work and in life.

Our benefits include paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan for eligible employees.

Explore everything we have to offer at Dakkota Careers!