Program Manager (interim)

Since 1965, Stoneridge has designed and manufactured advanced, award-winning technologies including driveline and transmission actuation systems, vision systems, emissions control systems, safety systems, and security and monitoring systems for vehicle OEMs in the commercial vehicle, automotive, off-highway and agricultural vehicle markets. We’re focused on the areas of greatest market need – both today and tomorrow. Our core products and technologies are aligned with industry megatrends including safety and security, vehicle intelligence, fuel efficiency and emissions. Join the Stoneridge Team as we continue to build upon our strong history and reputation for quality products to deliver innovative products and systems that address a need, exceed our customers’ expectations, and motivate our team.

Objective of the position (interim role)

The Program Manager is responsible for delivering projects in line with approved targets and objectives, including technical requirements, quality, profitability, timelines, cost, and risk, as validated by management. In this role, you will lead projects according to Stoneridge’s program management principles, manage the core project team, and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.

You will define and control technical specifications, quality goals, financial performance, schedules, risks, and cost targets, and actively lead all project team members to achieve these objectives, with a continuous focus on meeting committed program deliveries.

Characterization of activities

• Own and manage the project plan across development and production, proactively identifying risks and implementing corrective actions through project closure.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams, ensuring resource availability, strong collaboration, and effective communication between project teams, plants, and stakeholders.
• Control project financials, including budgeting, cost management (development, tooling, investments), forecasting, profitability tracking, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Ensure product and process excellence, aligning technical and process decisions with quality, cost, and profitability targets, and validating all quality assessments.
• Act as the primary customer interface, maintaining clear communication and alignment on all project-related topics throughout the program lifecycle.
• Drive governance and steering, leading project meetings, program reviews, gate reviews, and risk management actions to ensure committed deliveries.

Education, experience and knowledge

• Education and experience: M.Sc. in Engineering or Project Management with 10+ years of experience as a Program Manager in the automotive industry, including customer-facing roles.
• Strong program management expertise: Solid understanding of PM disciplines, processes, and automotive core tools (PPAP, APQP, DFMEA).
• Results-driven and analytical: Strong focus on outcomes, ability to prepare and analyze data, perform root cause analysis, and make difficult decisions under pressure.
• Structured yet holistic mindset: Highly organized, detail-oriented, with the ability to maintain a holistic perspective in complex environments.
• Proven leadership and people management: Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and drive accountability in cross-functional, fast-paced environments.
• Professional communicator with technical strength: Excellent communication skills, strong MS Project, Excel, and data management capabilities, and consistent professionalism in all customer interactions.