Program Manager

About EQIEQI is fluent in doing business around the world, so our customers do not have to be. EQI sources metal components, castings, forgings, and machined parts, from a network of carefully selected manufacturers around the globe. EQI manages every aspect of the product life-cycle - from Prototyping and Product Development through supporting production with Logistics / Vendor Managed Inventory Services - letting its customers choose specific services and locations to meet their specific needs. By diversifying our supply base across manufacturers in multiple regions and offering redundant tooled locations, EQI mitigates risks and maximizes the flexibility to shift production from one source to another when needed. EQI ships to and from multiple ports around the world, supporting our customers with full vendor-managed inventory services at the end location. EQI is headquartered in Spring Lake, Michigan with offices in Cambridge, Beijing, Qingdao, Hanoi, Coimbatore and Craigavon. Position SummaryThe Program Manager is responsible for leading the team of engineering, supply chain, quality and operations resources to ensure product is qualified for production on time and to budget. They are accountable for meeting customer commitments and expectations, while providing timely communication of schedule updates to both internal and external stakeholders around the globe. The Program Manager is expected to navigate challenges throughout these launches to provide our customers with options to achieve best-case outcomes, supporting sustainable growth of EQI sales while meeting all requirements for long-term production quality. This position reports directly to the PMO Manager in the US and may be seated in the Spring Lake or Cambridge offices. Essential FunctionsLead product development launches across all EQI OEM customers and sourcing units. Demonstrate aptitude in managing and achieving development timelines and will provide oversight of all processes from customer award through production approval. Provide communication of program milestones to both key internal EQI stakeholders as well as directly with customers. Able to support customer stakeholders with minimal oversight/supervision, including direct customer contact and independent customer visits for this purpose. Responsible for leading cadences and focusing teams at a project level and across all functions in the organization, including weekly development calls, management reviews and customer updates. Develop, maintain, and drive improvement through KPIs and clear communication of project statuses and roadblocks to all project stakeholders and EQI leadership. Lead teams of in-country project managers to ensure all projects are maintained up to date and accurate. Cultivation of EQI's in country project manager resources to enhance EQI's ability to execute projects. Provide proactive guidance for both Product Engineering, Project Managers in-country, and Supply Chain resources regarding workload balancing, critical project identification and focus, and situational escalation when needed. Understand EQI development processes, procedures, and requirements to guide projects towards on-time launch. Champion standardized execution of projects, leveraging a robust set of BMS procedures while navigating unique and unexpected challenges. Ability to understand and evaluate a project's business case, including technical, commercial, and budgetary constraints as well as strategic importance to achieve EQI's goals. Provide scheduling input during reviews of customer RFQ packages - to include data-driven advice during RFQ review of supplier quoted lead times and quality capability vs actual performance. Translate real-world experience with our supplier network into actionable direction on expectations and capabilities to both Supply Chain and Account Management. Support project management needs of business development, continuous improvement, and other project-based processes across the organization, especially in support of EQI Quality objectives. Provide guidance towards best-practices and system capabilities to improve EQI's ability to execute business projects. Mentor other members of the EQI Team (including USA, China, India & Vietnam) in project management. Position RequirementsBachelor's Degree in Engineering or Technology from a four-year accredited college or university 5+ years of relevant work experience (Product/Project Engineering or Project Management with metal product manufacturing preferred) Proven track record of managing global projects on time and budget Familiarity with supplier quality standards, policies and procedures Demonstrated ability to investigate quality problems and to apply sound technical judgment to develop possible solutions Proficient oral and written communication skills Demonstrated high level of interpersonal skills to effectively lead, motivate and facilitate others in group situations High level of analytical ability to define and identify appropriate courses of action for unique and diverse problems Ability to exercise independent judgment is required Ability to effectively organize and plan Ability to travel (Domestic and International) an estimated 5%-20% as needed. Preferred SkillsCertified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification Knowledge of and working experience in metal castings of various processes preferred Processes: Resin / Green / Vacuum Sand Castings, Investment Castings, Die Castings, Machining Materials: Gray Iron, Steel, Ductile Iron, Aluminum Knowledge of production CNC machining, set-ups, and programming Proficient in print reading and interpretation and part measurement Knowledge of AIAG standards (PFD, FMEA, Control Plans, APQP) Experience leveraging and refining corporate BMS/QMS procedures and processes Demonstrated knowledge of geometric design and tolerance and gage design and function Demonstrated knowledge of probability, statistical quality control and design of experiments Formal training with Six Sigma tools and methodology PPM software administration, Planview AdaptiveWork (Clarizen) highly preferred Work EnvironmentEQI provides a dynamic, open, and collaborative work environment where every team member is valued and rewarded for their contributions. We are seeking highly motivated, skilled, and entrepreneurial people to continue EQI's impressive growth over the past 10 years. "Improve Your Position" and apply today.

Created: 2025-06-19