Your Key Responsibilities- Program Manager I manages one or more projects with internal as well as external customers.
- Cultivate and own the strategic relationship with the customer, acting as their primary advocate and the main point of contact for all program matters.
- Lead technical reviews with the customer, with the authority to present information directly or delegate to subject matter experts.
- Ensure delivery of the projects assigned including all relevant steps, milestones, gateways and resources.
- Monitor project progress in terms of time, costs, quality (TCQ) and derive measures in case of deviations or claims.
- Lead the project team members functionally and coordinate all involved external service providers, resources or stakeholders.
- Actively pursue and secure new business by leading the creation of compelling responses to RFIs and RFQs.
- Own and enforce adherence to the CAPCO process and all relevant corporate/customer standards. You are the owner of all program audits (S) and customer APQP activities (S).
- Develop and manage the project budget (PIT), while supporting the detailed tracking of product, project, and prototype costs to ensure financial discipline (S).
- Oversee the end-to-end change management process for both product and project modifications, ensuring rigorous impact analysis and clear stakeholder communication.
- Manage and provide final approval for all high or medium-risk prototype deviations. Initiate and lead internal escalation meetings (Red Light/Yellow Light) to proactively address and mitigate risks.
- Central Point of Communication: Serve as the single source of truth for all technical and timing-related communications with the customer.
Your Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in program or project management, specifically within a manufacturing, automotive, or complex technology industry.
- Proven experience in a direct customer-facing role, with demonstrated success in
- negotiation, relationship building, and managing complex accounts.
- Strong business acumen and a deep understanding of project financials, including budget management, cost tracking, and profitability analysis.
- Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to lead through influence in a cross-functional, matrixed environment.
- Expert-level communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience with enterprise project management software (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Planisware).
- A proven track record of successfully leading projects from the new business quoting phase through to serial production.
- Must be willing to travel up to 25%.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the US.
Our Offering- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- Life insurance and 401k eligible with up to 6% company match
- Company Vehicle
- Regular employee appreciation and company events
- Please see all our benefit offerings at Schaeffler Benefits
https://www.schaeffler.us/careers/
Your contact Schaeffler Group USA Inc.
Kenneth R Cummings
