Experienced Program Manager with automotive HVAC program management experience to serve as the primary liaison between development functions and upstream/downstream customers throughout HVAC program development. The role will coordinate programs from initial concept through SOP, driving timing, deliverables, BOMs, tooling, investment, cost, engineering/testing activities, manufacturing launch milestones, and customer communication. This is a technical automotive program management position, not a general project management role. The strongest candidates will have a combination of automotive HVAC/thermal systems knowledge, Tier 1 supplier experience, OEM customer exposure, and demonstrated ownership of complex programs through launch.

HIRING TEAM PRIORITIES

Targeting approximately 10-20 years of relevant automotive experience. Four-year degree is typically expected. Engineering degree preferred (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or related). Strong preference for candidates who have managed programs within a Tier 1 automotive supplier. Ford and/or General Motors experience is especially valuable. Candidates with experience managing complex automotive products/systems will be more attractive. Automotive HVAC engineering/program experience is a key requirement. PMP certification is a plus but not required if the candidate has strong automotive program management experience.

CORE EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Candidates should ideally demonstrate experience with: Automotive HVAC systems, modules, assemblies, or related thermal-management products. Program management from concept/development through SOP. Cross-functional leadership across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Sales/Account Management, and other functions. OEM customer communication and program deliverables. Detailed program timing plans and milestone tracking. New Product Launch (NPL/NPI) activities and manufacturing build events. BOM management and piece-cost tracking. Tooling and investment management. Engineering Design & Testing (ED&T) budgets/activities. Program KPIs and executive-level reporting. Issue escalation, recovery planning, and risk management. Automotive development processes, APQP/PPAP, and IATF-related documentation/audits.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Highest-value OEM experience: Ford General Motors Other relevant OEM experience can include Stellantis, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Rivian, Hyundai/Kia, VW, BMW, Mercedes, etc., particularly when combined with strong Tier 1 HVAC experience.