Job purpose
- The Trade Program Manager leads the end-to-end execution of domestic and international trade-related projects, serving as the primary operational bridge between customers, internal cross-functional teams, and external/outsourced manufacturing partners. This role oversees programs throughout their entire lifecycle, predominantly taking a lead at the point of awarded business. From initial quoting, feasibility, and APQP launch through mass production, annual price reviews, and End of Life (EOL) management, ensuring strict compliance with automotive quality standards, timeline integrity, and profitability goals.
Duties and responsibilities
- Program Launch & APQP Management: Lead all APQP activities from project kick-off through Start of Production (SOP), including program timeline execution, part number and BOM development, PPAP support, control runs, and IMDS documentation.
- Supplier & Customer Relationship Management: Serve as the primary liaison between traded product suppliers and customers; coordinate technical specifications, commercial negotiations, and resolution of product availability or packaging issues.
- Financial & Lifecycle Control: Partner with purchasing, finance, and business development to track part costs, maintain profitable margins, manage Annual Price Reviews (APRs), and oversee product extensions, EOP and EOS program transitions.
- Compliance & Quality System Support: Assist with customer product surveys (including conflict minerals), environmental reporting, and quality assurance framework maintenance aligned with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards.
- Cross-Functional & Global Support: Collaborate closely with internal teams (quality, purchasing, logistics, finance, business development) and assist international program management on global sourcing and import/ export initiatives.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or Project Management, Purchasing, Global Trade, Engineering, Business, or equivalent work experience.
- Experience: 2+ years of Program Management experience in manufacturing/automotive sectors, with supplier quality or outsourcing management preferred.
- Automotive & Quality Tools: Proficiency with AIAG APQP tools (FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP), quality standards (ISO 9001/IATF 16949), and basic statistical analysis.
- Technical Skills: Proficient with project management processes, PC-based applications (Google Suite/MS Office), ERP systems (PLEX knowledge a plus), and blueprint/CAD reading.
- Core Competencies: Strong written and verbal communication skills, cross-cultural collaboration, problem-solving ability, and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
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