Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and proactive Program Manager specializing in Tooling and Automation to lead strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency through innovative tooling solutions. This role is responsible for managing the complete lifecycle of tooling and automation programs; from quotation through installation and corporate acceptance, ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and to corporate requirements. This role serves as the primary interface between corporate, engineering, controls, manufacturing, tool build, suppliers, and management; owning execution, schedules, risk management, issue resolution, and communication throughout the project lifecycle. The successful candidate will possess strong technical and commercial awareness and be capable of coordinating cross-functional teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Duties
- Lead tooling and automation projects from award through final corporate acceptance, maintaining detailed timing plans, milestone tracking, and resource plans.
- Coordinate project activities across Tool Design, Controls Engineering, Tool Build, CNC/EDM, Electrical & Integration, Purchasing, Quality, and Manufacturing Operations.
- Identify project risks, develop mitigation plans, and drive accountability and resolution of open issues, escalating concerns as required.
- Serve as primary corporate contact for assigned programs: lead program and timing reviews and provide regular status updates to corporate leadership.
- Support machine commissioning, corporate runoffs, and capture lessons learned for future programs
- Coordinate engineering change requests and scope modifications while protecting project scope, timing, and profitability.
- Coordinate build activities for weld fixtures, assembly equipment, automation cells, robotics, EOL testers, gauges, foam molds, and production tooling through design, fabrication, controls integration, tryout, buyoff, and installation.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to gather detailed requirements and translate them into actionable project plans.
- Coordinate release management activities ensuring smooth rollout of new tools and updates while minimizing disruption through effective disaster recovery planning.
- Manage project scope, timelines, budgets, and resources by applying strong analysis skills and time management techniques.
- Facilitate communication across technical teams, business units, and executive leadership to ensure alignment on project goals and deliverables.
- Support program management activities including resource allocation, stakeholder engagement, negotiation of priorities, and organizational change management.
- Track project budgets, actual costs, and profitability; support quoting, statements of work, and engineering-change commercial recovery.
- Review supplier quotations and outsourced work packages; support make-versus-buy decisions and outsourcing evaluations.
- Manage supplier deliverables, timing, and performance; conduct supplier status reviews and recovery planning as needed.
- Coordinate equipment installation, startup, corporate acceptance/buyoff, and production launch readiness.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Automation Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
- 7+ years of experience in tooling, automation, manufacturing engineering, machine build, and project/program management.
- Experience managing tooling and automation projects valued between $50,000 and $5M+.
- Strong understanding of tool build processes, CNC machining, assembly equipment, robotics, industrial automation, and manufacturing systems.
- Automotive experience preferred, along with experience in APQP, PPAP, and launch management.
- Knowledge of tooling design/manufacturing processes and experience with machine commissioning and controls integration is an asset; PMP certification considered an asset.
Work Conditions
- Travel as required to corporate, supplier, and WMG facilities across Canada, USA, and Mexico.
- Fast paced
- Under Pressure
- Tight Deadlines
Join us as a Program Manager - Tooling and Automation to spearhead transformative projects that elevate operational excellence through innovative technology solutions!
Pay: $75,000.00-$90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Experience:
- tooling, automation, machine build, and project management: 7 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person