About this role
Job Title: Senior Program Manager
Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead a team of Program Managers and oversee a portfolio of complex automotive programs for a leading automotive manufacturing organization. This role is responsible for driving successful program execution across the full product lifecycle, from initial quotation and launch through production and end-of-life, while ensuring customer, quality, timing, and financial objectives are achieved.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, mentorship, and direction to a team of 5–6 direct reports, while partnering closely with cross-functional teams to manage program performance, resolve challenges, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will bring strong automotive program management experience, proven leadership capabilities, and the ability to successfully manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Job Location: Markham, ON
Job Type: Full-time, permanent. 100% on-site.
Shift Structure: Monday to Friday; 8:00am to 4:30pm with the occasional overtime
Compensation Structure: $130,000–$140,000 (depending on experience) + an annual bonus of $20,000–$30,000 + benefits + RRSP match up to 3% after 6 months of employment & 5% after 1 year with the company.
Responsibilities:
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to a team of Program Managers, supporting both individual development and overall team success.
• Set clear performance goals, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance reviews to encourage growth and accountability.
• Build a collaborative, customer-focused environment that emphasizes continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Support Program Managers with program planning, risk assessment, issue resolution, and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee a portfolio of automotive programs by leading and supporting Program Managers through every phase of the product lifecycle, from quotation and award through production and end-of-life.
• Ensure all programs are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer expectations, quality standards, and business objectives.
• Track program progress through key performance indicators (KPIs), proactively identifying potential risks and implementing corrective actions where required.
• Lead cross-functional teams in resolving complex program challenges and escalate critical issues when necessary.
• Review and approve project schedules, resource plans, budgets, and overall program execution strategies.
• Oversee the financial health of assigned programs, including budget performance, profitability, forecasting, and change management activities.
• Assist with business planning, resource allocation, and the development of program business cases.
• Manage customer-driven scope changes while ensuring commercial impacts are evaluated and appropriately controlled.
• Drive the development and standardization of program management processes, reporting tools, and best practices across the team.
• Champion consistent project management methodologies to improve execution and program delivery.
• Identify and implement initiatives that enhance launch performance, cost efficiency, communication, and overall operational effectiveness.
Skills/Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
· 10+ years of experience in automotive program management, with a strong understanding of the full product lifecycle.
· 5+ years of progressive leadership experience managing Program Managers, engineering teams, or technical project groups.
· Proven experience leading complex product launches within a Tier 1 automotive supplier or OEM environment.
· Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive successful outcomes in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
· Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities with the ability to motivate and influence others.
· Excellent program, project, and portfolio management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
· Solid financial and commercial understanding, including experience with budgets, profitability, and change management.
· Strong problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
· Ability to effectively prioritize, make decisions, and deliver results in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
Apply Today!
Pay: $130,000.00-$140,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person