Program Manager II at Mando America Corp – Novi, Michigan

Job Summary

The Project Manager has full ownership for leading end-to-end project development and launch activities from program award through closure (SOP +100 days), ensuring delivery to customer and business requirements for scope, timing, cost, and quality. This role leads and coordinates cross-functional local and global teams across R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to execute APQP development phases, manage customer build events, and achieve launch readiness. The Project Manager serves as the primary customer interface during development and launch, proactively managing risks, issues, and changes. In addition, this role drives continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen APQP rigor, project governance, and standardized project management processes, tools, and guidelines to improve execution consistency and organizational capability.

Key Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned as needed)

• Leads development of the project charter and defines project scope based on OEM Statements of Requirements (SOR); owns ongoing scope management and proactively mitigates scope creep throughout project execution.
• Develops, maintains, and controls overall program timing, including master schedule and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS); leads project timing alignment across functions while coordinating with the Technical Project Leader (TPL) for DV and PV timing ownership.
• Initiates, manages, and maintains the project within iPCS or equivalent project management systems, ensuring accurate planning, tracking, and reporting throughout APQP Gates 1–6.
• Monitors and controls project financial performance, including profitability before tax (PBT), across the project development lifecycle; partners with Sales and Purchasing to support cost development, cost recovery, and margin improvement initiatives.
• Leads quality-related project activities by capturing lessons learned, driving corrective actions, and ensuring continuous improvement is embedded throughout the project lifecycle.
• Owns project risk management activities, including risk identification, assessment, and development of contingency and mitigation plans; escalates issues and drives management focus when timely resolution is at risk.
• Leads change management activities during development, coordinating and approving internal and customer-driven changes while ensuring alignment to scope, timing, cost, and quality objectives.
• Serves as the primary customer interface for assigned programs, building strong customer relationships and ensuring clear, timely communication throughout development and launch.
• Maintains and leads the MDT Open Issues List (OIL), ensuring weekly updates, cross-functional alignment, and appropriate escalation of unresolved issues.
• Prepares and communicates formal project status reports (PSR) to upper management and headquarters monthly, providing clear visibility to risks, milestones, and overall program health.
• Leads project kick-off meetings and owns preparation, execution, and reporting for all APQP Gate Reviews (1–6), ensuring compliance with internal standards and customer requirements.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business administration is required. Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 10+ years of automotive product engineering experience, 5 years of which are in lead or supervisory position.
• Product, processes, and tools expertise is required.
• PMP certification is required.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong planning & scheduling skill utilizing Microsoft suite (MS project, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• Time management by recognizing the importance of managing time and prioritizing daily activities.
• Risk management by proactively staying engaged with core team and constantly identifying project threats and opportunities. Take action to mitigate risks and prevent the project from missing key milestones.
• Leadership skills: Able to guide, motivate, and direct the team without any direct reports.
• Strong communication skills: Being insightful, collaborative, and optimistic.
• Conflict resolution skills: Managing conflicts amongst team members, being part of the solution facilitation.
• Team building skills: By establishing relationships and building trust amongst team and Stakeholders.

Working Conditions: This position typically operates in an office environment.

Physical Requirements: Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.

Remote Work: Eligible for hybrid remote work schedule at management’s discretion.

Flexible Work: Flexible working hours if/as required to support global team and customer based.

Travel Frequency: Up to 25% travel.

Compensation and Benefits: Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes health, dental & vision insurance, life insurance and other supplemental benefits, 401(k) plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: HL Mando is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability status.