Job Title: Program Manager – Ford Motor Company (HVAC & Front-End Cooling Systems)

Department: Program Management

Reports To: Director of Program Management

Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan (Hybrid)

Position Summary

A leading Tier 1 automotive supplier is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead HVAC and Front-End Cooling programs for Ford Motor Company. This individual will serve as the primary customer interface throughout the entire product development lifecycle, ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and meet all customer quality and performance expectations. The Program Manager will coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, finance, supply chain, and sales while maintaining regular communication with Ford engineering, purchasing, and program management teams. This position requires exceptional leadership, organization, and knowledge of automotive product development processes.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage multiple Ford Motor Company HVAC and Front-End Cooling programs from quotation through production launch and post-launch support.

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the company and Ford program teams.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive program timing plans, budgets, deliverables, and milestone tracking.

• Lead cross-functional program meetings and drive accountability for engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, logistics, and finance activities.

• Monitor program financial performance, including tooling, engineering changes, piece-price impacts, and launch costs.

• Coordinate prototype builds, validation testing, production readiness, and launch activities.

• Ensure compliance with Ford Product Development System (FPDS) milestones and customer-specific requirements.• Manage engineering change requests (ECRs), design revisions, and customer change management processes.

• Identify program risks and develop mitigation plans to maintain timing and profitability.

• Coordinate APQP activities and support PPAP submissions with the quality organization.

• Work closely with manufacturing plants to ensure successful product launches and ongoing production support.

• Prepare and present program status reports to executive leadership and Ford customer teams.

• Support commercial activities including quotations, cost reduction initiatives, and future business opportunities.

• Travel to customer locations, manufacturing facilities, and supplier sites as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related technical field.

• Minimum of 5 years of automotive Program Management experience with a Tier 1 supplier.

• Direct experience managing Ford Motor Company programs is strongly preferred.

• Experience with HVAC systems, thermal management products, front-end cooling modules, radiators, condensers, charge air coolers, fans, or related automotive systems is highly desirable.

• Strong understanding of automotive product development from concept through production.

• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrix organization.

• Excellent project planning, scheduling, and organizational skills.

• Strong customer relationship management and communication abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple complex programs simultaneously.

• Financial acumen with experience managing program budgets and profitability. Technical Knowledge

Experience with many of the following is preferred:

• Ford Product Development System (FPDS)

• APQP

• PPAP

• DFMEA/PFMEA

• Design Reviews

• Program Timing Management

• Change Management

• Engineering Change Requests (ECR)

• Program Financial Reporting

• Prototype Builds• Production Launch Activities

• Manufacturing Readiness

• Supplier Coordination

• Automotive Quality Systems (IATF 16949)

• GD&T fundamentals

• Thermal management systems

Preferred Skills

• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.

• Proven ability to build relationships with Ford engineering and purchasing organizations.

• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.

• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

• Self-motivated with excellent attention to detail.

• Proficiency with Microsoft O_ice Suite, Microsoft Project, and ERP/program management software.

Travel

• Approximately 20–30% travel within North America.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will consistently deliver customer programs on time and within budget while maintaining outstanding customer satisfaction. They will proactively identify risks, coordinate cross-functional teams, and drive flawless product launches that meet Ford's expectations for quality, timing, and cost. Their leadership will contribute to long-term customer relationships and future business growth.

Details