Position Summary

The Program Manager (PM) at Grand Travers Plastics Corp leads cross-functional teams to launch new products from project award through production and end-of-life. This role serves as the primary customer interface, ensuring scope, timing, cost, quality, and performance targets are met while balancing customer expectations with internal capabilities. The PM drives disciplined execution aligned with automotive APQP requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Own program execution from quote handoff through launch, production, and closeout

Develop and manage program timing plans, including APQP, tooling, validation, and launch milestones

Lead cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and Sales

Serve as the primary customer contact; manage communications, deliverables, change requests, and meetings

Identify program risks related to cost, timing, quality, and capacity and drive mitigation plans

Own program financials, including piece price, tooling budgets, launch costs, profitability tracking, and cancellation costs

Initiate, communicate, and lead engineering changes, cost recovery, and technical communication with project team

Support quoting activities with timing feasibility and lessons learned

Drive APQP deliverables, PPAP submissions, tooling builds, validation, and production ramp-up

Ensure manufacturing, capacity, and quality readiness prior to SOP and lead launch containment as needed

Lead structured problem-solving, and support continuous improvement initiatives, VA/VE workshops, and capture lessons learned

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or equivalent experience

5+ years of program or project management experience in automotive manufacturing

Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and automotive launch processes

Experience with injection-molded plastic components and automotive materials

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority

Strong customer-facing communication and presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting OEMs such as GM, Stellantis, or Ford

Familiarity with powertrain, battery, or structural automotive components

Working knowledge of tooling, injection molding, assembly, and validation processes

Specific Skills

Excellent communication both internal and externally

Results-driven with strong ownership mindset

Highly organized with excellent attention to detail

Comfortable operating in fast-paced, dynamic environments

Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills

Ability to balance technical, commercial, and customer priorities

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Plastics injection molding: 1 year (Required)
Program management: 5 years (Required)
Automotive OEM : 2 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

Williamsburg, MI 49690: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Grand Traverse Plastics

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