Program Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Program Manager III is responsible for leading end to end execution of major engineering changes and product introductions in support of new and existing business, working with internal teams to develop strategies in alignment with Gentex product development processes and customer requirements. The Program Manager III serves as a technical and program leadership resource, mentoring other program managers and acting as a primary escalation point for significant program risks related to cost, quality, timing, resources, and customer commitments. 

Location: This position requires on-site work at Gentex facilities. This role is not eligible for remote work.

WHAT YOU’LL DO 

• Lead and oversee multiple product development programs including engineering changes and products consisting of new and existing technologies.   

• Support pre-sales activities, strategy, product definition. 

• Develop program scope and assure product timing, quality and delivery expectations are achieved. 

• Proactively identify, communicate, and drive resolution of key program issues impacting cost, quality, timing, resources, and customer specifications. 

• Adhere to the Gentex product development process. 

• Establish and manage integrated program plans and budgets, ensuring disciplined cost control and schedule adherence across the product lifecycle. 

• Promote manufacturing commonality, scalability, cost efficiency, and complexity reduction across product lines, ensuring new designs leverage proven parts and production ready practices. 

• Ensure new designs leverage proven parts, methods, and production ready practices that balance innovation with manufacturability and long-term supportability. 

• Lead program reviews, product launches, and cross functional governance meetings with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and commercial teams. 

• Contribute to organizational initiatives related to process improvement, product roadmap execution, and continuous improvement in program execution.  

• Coach and mentor other program managers, establishing and promoting best practices in program management.  

• Other duties as assigned. 

HOW YOU’LL DO IT 

• Strategic Mindset - Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies. 

• Customer Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions. 

• Project Management - Applying knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to manage and meet project requirements. 

• Maintaining a high level of honesty, integrity, and confidentiality with respect to company matters. 

• Complying with all Company policies and procedures, safety regulations, company safety policies and safely perform all duties, including but not limited to, promoting a safe workplace.    

WHAT TO BRING 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field. 

• 7+ years of progressive product development and/or manufacturing experience within the applicable line of business. 

• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross‑functional programs with significant customer engagement and business impact. 

• Advanced working knowledge of program and project management methodologies, including risk management, cost control, schedule management, and cross‑functional integration. 

• Mastery of automotive standards and requirements.  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. 

WHAT WILL HELP 

• At least 3-5 years of experience applying project/program management fundamentals in an automotive product development environment.