Program Manager I

About the Role

The primary function of the role is to lead New Product Introduction (NPI) and industrialization projects for the Power Connectors Automotive/Commercial Division, ensuring rigorous application of Eaton’s NPI tools such as ProLaunch and ProPM while coaching cross‑functional teams. Key responsibilities include managing the full project lifecycle to meet financial targets, driving cross‑functional accountability for commercial, technical, and manufacturing readiness, developing comprehensive project plans, influencing stakeholder expectations, establishing resource management structures, fostering effective team dynamics, maintaining operational cadence through standard work processes, and executing robust communication and negotiation strategies. • Lead NPI and industrialization projects for Power Connectors Automotive/Commercial Division. • Apply Eaton NPI tools (ProLaunch, ProPM) and coach cross‑functional teams. • Manage project lifecycle from development through launch, meeting scope, schedule, and budget targets. • Drive cross‑functional accountability for commercial, technical, and manufacturing readiness. • Develop and execute comprehensive project management plans. • Influence stakeholders to define baseline business case expectations and assess risks. • Create resource management plans for team and decision‑gate engagements. • Build effective team dynamics, provide coaching, and promote proactive risk mitigation. • Utilize program management standards, tools, and metrics for operational cadence and transparency. • Establish and execute stakeholder communication strategies throughout the project. • Lead project/program reviews with multiple leadership levels to support decision‑making. • Negotiate with functional partners to meet business‑case commitments and manage contracts. • Contribute to new business proposals and product roadmap initiatives. • Expand cross‑functional knowledge in engineering, operations, supply chain, and finance.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸npi lead
• ▸prolaunch
• ▸propm
• ▸project management
• ▸stakeholder comm
• ▸cross‑functional

What You Bring

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Engineering, have at least five years of relevant experience, and possess proven expertise in managing complete NPI cycles. Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree, automotive project management experience, PMP certification, and knowledge of requirements, risk, and portfolio management. • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Engineering. • Minimum 5 years experience in program management, operations, engineering, quality, manufacturing/SCM, or product development. • Proven experience managing full NPI cycle as a Program Manager. • Proficiency with program and project management methodologies, processes, and tools. • Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship; must reside within 50 miles of Southfield, MI or Carol Stream, IL. • Master’s degree in Business or Engineering (preferred). • Prior automotive project management experience (preferred). • PMP certification from PMI (preferred). • Experience in requirements and risk management (preferred). • Knowledge of product and project portfolio management principles (preferred). • Demonstrated ethical, passionate, accountable, efficient, transparent, learner leadership style. • Ability to lead cross‑functional, cross‑regional, global teams and drive change. • Strategic thinker able to build organizational capability through vision and accountability. • Results‑oriented, adaptable team player with strong analytical and business acumen. • Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and status reporting skills.

Requirements

• ▸bachelor’s
• ▸5 years
• ▸npi
• ▸pmp
• ▸automotive
• ▸leadership

Benefits

Eaton’s IS VEH EMB division is seeking a Program Manager I with an annual salary range of $94,000‑$130,000. This hybrid role requires on‑site work three days a week at either Southfield, Michigan or Carol Stream, Illinois, and candidates must reside within 50 miles of one of those locations; relocation is not offered. Eaton is an equal‑opportunity employer that supports second‑chance hiring, provides accommodations for disabilities, and offers a comprehensive benefits package covering health, welfare, retirement, and paid time off, subject to eligibility criteria.

Work Environment

Hybrid