PMO - Program Manager

Position Summary

The Program Manager (PM) is responsible for leading the development of awarded business into realized production sales. This role provides leadership to cross-functional teams launching new product, coordinating Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Operations, and Account Management to meet customer commitments while driving urgency, accountability, and proactive communication. This role also interfaces directly with suppliers and customers to build relationships that benefit future opportunities.

Essential Functions

• Manage assigned programs with urgency, from customer award through post-SOP production readiness to meet targets for on-time delivery, budget, and quality.
• Drive execution by leading teams across Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Operations, and Account Management. Partner with all functions to make decisions, assign actions, and escalate as help is needed.
• Understand and prioritize the financial impact of launches with the largest impact to EQI’s growth, and allocate resources appropriately to meet those goals.
• Manage project budgets to achieve profitability targets for development and tooling costs, as well as post-SOP “as launched” margin reviews.
• Establish and lead structured program cadences, including internal reviews and well-maintained and proactive customer updates.
• Provide the single point of contact for customers throughout the program lifecycle
• Follow and continually improve the APQP Gate framework to drive accountability of resources and quality of results.
• Identify risks early, develop options, drive mitigation actions, and escalate when required.
• Provide clear visibility of program status, risks, and action plans to leadership and stakeholders.
• Clearly communicate across the organization, with suppliers, and directly with customers.
• Support RFQ and award transitions by providing schedule, feasibility, and risk input.
• Mentor and model strong program leadership behaviors across the organization.
• Continuously improve and develop the APQP process and other business processes directly and indirectly related to program launch.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Program Management, Project Management, or related cross-functional leadership roles.
• Strong ability to navigate, leverage, and continuously improve EQI’s toolkit of project management, RFQ, and ERP systems.
• Proven ability to lead complex, global programs and drive accountability without direct authority.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (approximately 5–20%) and support global team schedules

Preferred Skills

• Project Management certification (PMP, CAPM).
• Experience supporting manufactured products or global supply chains.
• Working knowledge of metal components, machining, or casting processes sufficient to assess risk and readiness.
• Familiarity with supplier quality systems and production launch concepts.