Program Account Leader

Job Title: Program Account Leader - Monterrey

Type of Contract: Permanent

Expected Hiring Date: As Soon As Possible

Scope: Multi-project / Customer-facing / Cross-functional

Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Governance

• Lead and coordinate global cross-functional teams to achieve or exceed program objectives related to quality, cost, profitability, timing, and customer satisfaction.
• Manage all phases of the program lifecycle, from program award through launch and production.
• Ensure compliance with OPmobility program management methodologies, processes, and internal governance requirements.
• Lead program reviews, milestone meetings, executive gate reviews, and customer updates.
• Drive program execution while ensuring alignment with Business Group and customer expectations.

Customer Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with OEM customers, including Purchasing, Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality organizations.
• Serve as the primary customer interface and single point of contact for all program-related matters.
• Coordinate and communicate action plans to meet customer requirements and program commitments.
• Manage customer escalations, timing concerns, design changes, and scope modifications.
• Communicate customer impact and risk through formal notifications when customer decisions affect program objectives.

Program Planning & Development

• Define and manage program scope, Statements of Work (SOW), and engineering change requests.
• Support quotation and business acquisition activities, including costing, timing, and feasibility reviews.
• Develop and maintain detailed program timing plans, resource plans, and launch roadmaps.
• Establish communication strategies and reporting structures for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all deliverables are completed and approved before major milestone reviews.

Program Execution

• Coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to ensure successful program execution.
• Drive issue resolution and facilitate decision-making across functional teams.
• Manage program timing and ensure all customer and internal milestones are achieved.
• Support and communicate change management activities throughout the program lifecycle.
• Ensure proper utilization and compliance with project management systems and reporting tools.

Financial & Risk Management

• Own program financial performance and ensure achievement of profitability objectives established during project approval.
• Develop and execute profitability roadmaps to achieve business case commitments.
• Lead Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE) and cost reduction initiatives.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks through effective risk management plans.
• Monitor and report program KPIs, including quality, cost, timing, and launch readiness.

Monitoring & Performance Management

• Provide regular program status reports to customers and internal leadership.
• Track project performance against established targets and milestones.
• Lead corrective action plans to address deviations in quality, cost, timing, or customer expectations.
• Ensure successful completion of PPAP activities and project tooling financial closure.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and promote best practices across program teams.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Support and enforce Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies and procedures.
• Promote a safe working environment and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and company standards.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of Program Management experience in the automotive industry.
• Proven experience managing product development and launch programs from award through production.
• Experience working directly with OEM customers.

Technical & Functional Skills

• Strong knowledge of automotive program management methodologies.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, engineering change management, and launch activities.
• Understanding of cost management, profitability tracking, budgeting, and VAVE initiatives.
• Ability to manage project scope, schedules, risks, and resources effectively.
• Experience using project management and ERP systems.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and team coordination skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.
• Customer-focused mindset with a strong sense of accountability.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Results-driven with exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Language Requirements

• English: Conversational to Advanced.
• Spanish: Fluent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing programs with OEMs such as Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, Volkswagen, Nissan, or Tesla.
• Experience working in international and multicultural environments.
• PMP or equivalent Project Management certification is a plus.