Program Manager

· Serve as the primary client liaison and manage day-to-day delivery

· Establish and drive a consistent daily operating cadence across the team

· Translate data and reporting into clear priorities and actions for the field

· Drive business results, remove barriers, and stay relevant

SUMMARY

The Automotive Program Manager provides comprehensive leadership and delivery management for a national automotive field-services program. This is a professional-level, supervisory position responsible for the overall performance, quality, and client satisfaction of the program. The primary focus is leading the day-to-day delivery of the program—directing regional Team Leaders and field consultants, managing the client relationship, and driving continuous performance improvement. Working closely with the analytics function, the Program Manager turns program data into clear direction for the team and communicates progress, risks, and results to both the client and MSX senior management. A strong emphasis is placed on establishing a disciplined operating rhythm and applying LEAN principles to make the team as efficient and effective as possible.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Automotive Program Manager will be a highly experienced professional familiar with the US automotive dealership and field-services environment. The position is on-site in Troy, MI and may require travel throughout the continental United States. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

· Own the day-to-day delivery of the program and act as the primary client liaison for the assigned project

· Lead, coach, and hold accountable a team of regional Team Leaders and their field consultants

· Establish and maintain a consistent daily operating cadence (daily huddles, escalation reviews, and follow-through)

· Set clear priorities and expectations for the team and drive performance against program objectives

· Coordinate communication, manage assigned resources, and report to executive management

· Create and execute project work plans, revising as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements

· Track project deliverables, issues, risks, and action items to closure

· Manage data accuracy, timeliness, and overall work product; set up and execute QA and peer-review processes

· Partner closely with the data analytics/BI function to translate reporting into field-level action

· Collaborate with client teams to meet program financial and customer-satisfaction goals; estimate resourcing and staffing needs

· Negotiate and manage client commitments and expectations, with a client-centric approach

· Closely monitor program objectives and provide critical, constructive performance feedback

· Develop and implement processes and measures to drive performance and continuously apply LEAN principles

· Recruit, hire, develop, and retain top field personnel

· Manage program compliance with contractual obligations and support transition/stabilization phases

· Provide regular financial and program reviews with client management and MSX senior management

· Frequent, on-demand travel to client and field locations as required

· 10+ years of industry experience, with a minimum of 5 years in project and/or program management

· A track record of delivering on complex, performance-driven programs

· Experience working within, influencing within, and networking within a matrix environment

· Conversant with project management methodologies

· Professional analytics experience necessary to identify opportunities, trends, and anomalies

· Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills

· Highly interpersonal, with team-building and participative management skills

· Self-starter able to work under minimal supervision

· High level of proficiency with PC and Microsoft Office applications

· Experience leading large, geographically dispersed teams

Must be based in Metro Detroit area

BEHAVIORS REQUIRED

· Able to create a sense of community and shared direction amongst a diverse program team

· Ability to build credibility, trust, and rapport with stakeholders at all levels, inside and outside the organization

· A forward thinker who takes initiative, identifies gaps, makes recommendations, and delivers on them

· Ability to influence at all levels

· A good listener

· Proactive and sophisticated management of key stakeholders

· A proactive communicator who seeks to communicate rather than wait to be asked

· Business focused: always looking to maximize benefits for the business and minimize downside risk

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

· Bachelor's degree in a related field or minimum 5 years equivalent experience

· Expertise in all aspects of dealership operations and/or automotive field services

· Basic understanding of automobile repair and technology

· Prior program management experience required

LANGUAGE SKILLS

· Must have the ability to maintain professional-level communication in English and any other languages as required by the project client.

COMPUTER SKILLS

· High level of proficiency with PC and Microsoft applications including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Word, and Power Apps

· Comfortable interpreting dashboards and reporting to guide team priorities

TACTICAL SKILLS

· Must be able to execute core program components such as reporting, group facilitation, coaching, and product/deliverable delivery

REASONING ABILITY

· Must be capable of formulating business decisions based on a logical reasoning approach and offering a solution-based outcome to all situations

SELF-STARTING ABILITIES

· Must possess a demonstrated ability to operate successfully in a business environment with limited management oversight

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

· Must possess the physical capabilities necessary to accomplish the tasks assigned to the program, including but not limited to multi-day travel, extended periods of activity during team meetings and field visits, and the ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. without sustaining injury

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Position is full-time.

Some overnight travel may be required.

MSX International is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to employing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.