Program Manager - Automotive (OEM Focus)

Our client, a global leader in engineered components for the automotive industry, is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to support business growth and strengthen key OEM partnerships. This position will manage both existing platforms and new opportunities within air and cooling systems.

Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement: Maintain and enhance relationships with OEM customers by communicating product enhancements and technical updates.
• Business Development: Identify and evaluate new opportunities to expand market share and support growth initiatives.
• Liaison Role: Act as the main point of contact between external customers and internal teams to ensure alignment on project goals and requirements.
• Prototype Coordination: Define specifications and assist in sourcing prototypes for system validation activities.
• Financial Oversight: Monitor and manage financial performance of assigned programs, including cost control and variance analysis.
• Pricing Strategy & Negotiation: Collaborate with sales leadership to define pricing strategies, deliver presentations, and negotiate customer agreements.
• Relationship Management: Develop strong relationships with OEM engineering and purchasing teams to gain insight into upcoming programs, market trends, and cost targets.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Facilitate seamless communication between customer stakeholders and internal cross-functional teams.
• APQP Management: Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities across teams to ensure program milestones and quality standards are met.
• Brand Advocacy: Represent the organization at customer meetings, industry events, and networking opportunities to strengthen brand presence.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in program management or business development within the automotive sector.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and leadership capabilities.
• Experience managing profitability and financial performance of technical programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with air and cooling systems in OEM environments is highly preferred.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field (preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management or a comparable leadership role.
• Experience working in a matrixed and multicultural environment is a plus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• 401(k) with immediate company match vesting.
• Paid holidays and time off.
• Performance-based incentives and bonus potential.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. For unincorporated Los Angeles county, to the extent our customers require a background check for certain positions, the Company faces a significant risk to its business operations and business reputation unless a review of criminal history is conducted for those specific job positions.