Program Manager

The Global Program Manager (GPM) is responsible and accountable for the successful execution of global programs, ensuring alignment with Global OEM customer requirements and internal company objectives. Acting as the primary interface between the customer homeroom and internal stakeholders, the GPM holds high visibility both internally and externally.

The role is central to program leadership, problem identification, and resolution, proactively addressing risks and driving solutions that impact cost, timing, quality, and overall program success. The Global Program Manager translates customer needs into executable global project plans, leads cross-functional and multi-regional teams, ensures program profitability, and builds strong, long-term customer relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate global, cross-functional resources within a matrix organization; proactively manage resource needs and escalate issues to global functional leaders and senior management as required

• Own the program handover from Global Account Management, ensuring clear project targets and requirements at global program kick-off

• Develop and manage comprehensive global project plans including scope, milestones, critical path, risk management, cost/benefit analysis, staffing, budgets, and timelines

• Ensure all regions align with global master timing, milestones, and targets

• Assemble and lead the global program team, including regular global calls, regional coordination, and face-to-face meetings

• Cascade global customer and internal targets to regional program teams

• Coordinate global change management, ensuring regional customer requests are assessed and aligned at a global level

• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to customer and internal satisfaction

• Drive global decision-making considering timing, investment, profitability, reliability, and design integrity, using EVA-driven financial principles

• Ensure global financial success, including business case development, CAR processes, pricing, cost analysis, and resource planning

• Meet all customer targets (quality, cost, technical objectives, milestones, PPAP) and internal targets (profitability, budget, quality, capital, tooling, suppliers)

• Coordinate and align activities across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, and OE Account Management

• Foster effective global communication and collaboration across regions, alliances, and joint venture partners

• Lead multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural global teams with strong execution focus

• Track task completion and maintain overall accountability for program delivery

• Integrate lessons learned from previous and running programs into new developments

• Critically assess product and process development proposals with respect to cost, timing, and manufacturing feasibility

• Communicate program status, timing, and change management to customers at a global level in customer-appropriate language

• Prepare and lead global program reviews with regional Program Managers, Steering Committee members, and senior leadership

• Maintain a centralized global database to ensure consistent, accurate, and transparent program information

What Will Make You Successful

• Proven ability to drive execution through clear accountability, disciplined follow-up, and results monitoring

• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost management, and data-driven decision-making

• Courageous leadership style with the confidence to take ownership, address complex challenges, and communicate openly

• High personal drive with the ability to overcome obstacles, operate with urgency, and deliver results in a global environment

• Experience leading cross-functional, multi-regional teams within a matrix organization

• Strong customer focus combined with strategic thinking and operational excellence