Product Development Program Manager

Company introduction We are a leading automotive manufacturer specializing in performance vehicle programs with lean, agile operational structures that require innovative problem-solving and direct cross-functional collaboration. Role summary / purpose This Product Development Program Manager role carries broad ownership across a single vehicle program, encompassing program planning, control studio, prototype, and launch phases. Operating as an individual contributor, you will drive cross-functional alignment to support issue closure, critical decisions, and successful vehicle launches while maintaining production quality and business plan targets. Key responsibilities • Manage program milestones, decisions, and deliverables to support future launches and ongoing production • Own change control processes and engineering change requests (ECRs) for review and approval • Coordinate with suppliers and manage supplier relationships throughout the program lifecycle • Manage bill of materials (BOM) and ensure alignment between financial data and engineering BOMs • Lead program management activities and cross-functional meetings with Engineering, Logistics, Manufacturing, Suppliers, Finance, Purchasing, and Launch teams • Track production inventory to minimize obsolescence during production switchovers • Develop and execute unique problem-solving approaches tailored to low-volume production environments • Lead technical and operational meetings with cross-functional teams and external suppliers Requirements – education & experience • 3–5 years in automotive program management, product development, or engineering release • Demonstrated experience managing engineering change notifications (ECNs) and change requests (CRs) • Hands-on experience with ECN/ECM and BOM reconciliation • Experience aligning financial data with engineering BOMs • Demonstrated tracking of production inventory to minimize obsolescence during switchovers • Recent vehicle launch and change-control experience within the past 5 years • Experience with Ford systems or supplier-side experience working with Ford processes Required skills • Change control and engineering change management expertise • Supplier coordination and relationship management • BOM management and inventory control • Program management and meeting leadership • Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder alignment • Technical problem-solving and process improvement Nice-to-have / preferred skills • Prior experience with low-volume performance vehicle production • Background involving performance vehicles and racing products • Previous Design Release or technical engineering experience • Familiarity with OEM PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems Employment details – type, location, hours This is a full-time position embedded within a performance vehicle program. Growth & development opportunities This role offers the opportunity to develop deep expertise in program management within a specialized, high-performance vehicle environment, with exposure to all phases of vehicle development from planning through launch and production. Equal opportunity statement We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.