What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Manager - Sheet Metal position at RCO Engineering?
The Program Manager will oversee automotive and OEM/Tier 1 engineering projects from initial award through complete production launch and beyond. Required is a strong background in prototype and production sheet metal to drive automotive projects from initial award through launch. The experienced Program Manager will leverage technical manufacturing expertise to manage budgets, timelines, and phase-gate deliverables while guiding a cross-functional engineering team. This strategic role requires over eight years of industry experience to successfully coordinate technical collaborations and ensure strict adherence to quality management systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee the program management through complete product life cycle from program award, product development, supplier selection, launch, post–production performance, & lessons learned.
- Oversee and monitor project documentation, timelines, technical performance, budget, production, quality deliverables, and corrective action initiatives.
- Full program management ownership of program-related functional activities: quoting, purchasing, product engineering, quality, manufacturing / launch management, & finance/budget.
- Oversee and ensure adherence to RCO phase-gate deliverables.
- Possesses the interpersonal skills to build relationships with key customer contacts responsible for the decision-making process (planning, scheduling, organizing, and monitoring the program). Actively listens, probes and identifies concerns. Understands customer's business and speaks their language. Develops credibility, loyalty, trust and commitment.
- Interface with Program Management Team to coordinate and manage awarded projects, ensuring program scope, deliverables, costs, and timing are achieved.
- Provide feedback, support, and guidance to the team, actively participating in technical collaborations and partnerships.
- Preparation and communication of program status and escalation of critical issues to leadership committee.
- Supports and adheres to policies, procedures, and operational guidelines related to established quality management system.
- Oversee the PDT meetings between RCO and the Customer Team’s.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Education Requirements:
- 8 years of experience in Program Management
- 8 years of automotive industry experience, or experience in a technical/engineering capacity preferred
- 5 years management experience
- Experience in Program Management with regards to automotive and OEM/Tier 1 customers.
- Understanding of Sheetmetal and other manufacturing processes.
- Excellent presentation, communication, influencing, project planning and negotiation skills
- Strong organizational skills.
- Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
- Experience with OEM Supplier Management systems will be preferred.
Preferred Skills:
- Top 3 must-have hard skills
- Sheet Metal Manufacturing Mastery: Deep technical knowledge of both prototype and high-volume production sheet metal processes to guide engineering teams, solve tooling issues, and ensure manufacturability.
- Tier 1 Automotive Program Ownership: Proven ability to lead programs through strict OEM phase-gate systems, manage multimillion-dollar budgets, and protect timelines from award to launch.
- Strategic Customer Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills to speak the customer's language, navigate complex OEM supplier systems, and build trust with key decision-makers.