Project Manager - Precision Manufacturing

Company Overview

Henderson Harbor Group is a top-tier executive search and consulting company specializing in Finance, Accounting, Tax, and Technology. The firm recruits highly skilled professionals primarily in the NY/NJ region and nationally through its AAFA network. Our client is a prominent precision manufacturing leader seeking a seasoned Program Manager.

Role Overview

This critical role involves managing strategic customer programs, launching new products, and leading cross-functional manufacturing initiatives. The Program Manager acts as the main bridge between customers and internal teams such as engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and executives, ensuring projects meet deadlines, budgets, and quality expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee customer programs from initial quote through product launch and continued manufacturing support.
• Function as the key contact for customers regarding schedules, milestones, deliverables, engineering changes, and issue resolution.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Tooling, and Operations.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project schedules, budgets, resource allocation plans, and risk management approaches.
• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts to guarantee seamless production rollouts.
• Track program progress, proactively manage risks, and implement corrective measures to stay on course.
• Manage engineering change orders (ECOs), customer change requests, and modifications during production.
• Work closely with manufacturing leadership to enhance production readiness, tooling, capacity, and operational efficiency.
• Monitor project KPIs and deliver regular status reports to executive leadership and customers.
• Drive initiatives for continuous improvement targeted at quality enhancement, cost reduction, and efficiency gains.
• Ensure adherence to customer specifications, quality standards, and manufacturing protocols across multiple sites.
• Foster strong customer relationships to ensure excellent service and program execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Electrical, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years managing programs or projects within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with multi-entity or multi-site manufacturing organizations.
• Specific hands-on experience supporting metal stamping manufacturing operations is mandatory.
• Thorough understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, engineering, production planning, quality systems, and supply chain management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead customer-facing manufacturing programs from conception to production.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership capabilities.
• Proven track record managing competing priorities under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving aptitude.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced use of Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Certifications such as PMP, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma are advantageous.