The Program Manager - Industrialization is responsible for the overall planning, management, and successful execution of international industrialization programs from the Operations Kick-off phase onward for the respective product lines. The primary focus is on the efficient, timely, and cost-effective delivery of RFQ and pre-development project scopes through handover to the manufacturing plant. In doing so, the Program Manager ensures that quality, performance, and compliance requirements are met while actively driving the continuous development of technical expertise, standards, and collaboration within a global environment. Within customer projects, the Program Manager represents the Manufacturing Engineering (ME) organization.

• Responsible for industrialization programs and Manufacturing Engineering projects (budget/investments, timing, quality, performance indicators), including transparent reporting and proactive escalation management.
• Supports the development of manufacturing concepts and the evaluation and comparison of implementation scenarios.
• Plans and oversees Manufacturing Engineering projects at the program level (master planning in ProjectWorx, including milestones, dependencies, resources, and AEMA requirements), defines clear expectations for project and sub-project managers, and synchronizes with product lines and manufacturing plants.
• Ensures system maintenance and data quality within relevant tools and systems (e.g., Project List, PMD, GMCM, ProjectWorx).
• Leads global coordination among Manufacturing Engineering (ME), Product Line (PL), manufacturing plants, Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MET), Quality, R&D, and Purchasing.
• Manages the procurement and sourcing process (quotation management, negotiation preparation, decision-making support, and purchase order placement) in close collaboration with Procurement and relevant stakeholders.
• Leads program and project teams while ensuring effective communication, team culture, and stakeholder management in an international environment (e.g., DFM, DFM-EE, PFMEA, audits, and review gate preparation).
• Supports production ramp-up management and ensures a structured handover to the manufacturing plant, including KPI monitoring and the initiation of optimization measures during the ramp-up phase.

• Demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking and makes decisions that consider cost, quality, schedules, resources, and sustainability.
• Works independently and takes a structured, solution-oriented approach within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Analyzes, evaluates, and effectively addresses complex technical and organizational issues.
• Demonstrates a high degree of accountability, resilience, flexibility, and reliability.
• Collaborates effectively and communicates clearly with internal and external stakeholders.
• Balances assertiveness with a professional and respectful approach when working with supervisors, employees, project stakeholders, customers, and suppliers.
• Makes responsible decisions with low to medium impact and ensures their implementation.
• Uses facts to inform decisions and, within the assigned level of responsibility, either makes decisions independently and ensures implementation or involves management and follows through on agreed actions.
• Actively contributes to continuous improvement, standardization, and increased efficiency within Manufacturing Engineering.
• Demonstrates a willingness to continuously develop professional expertise and apply new methods, technologies, and standards.

• A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is preferred; equivalent training and experience may be considered.

• Extensive knowledge of relevant Manufacturing Engineering processes, methods, and standards.
• Strong understanding of production processes, industrialization, manufacturing equipment, manufacturing technologies, and production-related workflows.
• Extensive knowledge of quality, cost, schedule, and process KPIs and their importance for robust production processes.
• Strong experience in analyzing, optimizing, and standardizing technical or organizational processes.
• Proficient use of relevant IT systems, engineering tools, documentation systems, and digital tools applicable to the role.
• Solid knowledge of project management, problem-solving methodologies, and structured action tracking.
• Solid understanding of business and financial principles within the area of responsibility.

• Good written and spoken English skills; German language skills are a plus.

• Willingness to continuously expand expertise and actively apply new technologies, methods, and standards.

• Entrepreneurial thinking and behavior within assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Resilience, commitment, flexibility, and assertiveness in a dynamic, technical, and project-oriented environment.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills when working with supervisors, colleagues, project stakeholders, plants, customers, and suppliers.
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and international teams across different functions, locations, and cultures.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (approximately 30%).

• Adherence to applicable compliance, occupational safety, quality, and data protection requirements, as well as company policies.

• Careful handling of confidential information, technical data, and company know-how.
• Willingness to actively support change initiatives and adopt new ways of working, systems, and standards.

The [above] is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bilstein has great benefits to offer!

• A state-of-the-art OE manufacturing plant with a strong focus on safety and cleanliness.
• Multiple competitive Health, Dental & Vision Coverage options.
• 401K matching program.
• Paid time off + 13 paid holidays.
• Paid volunteer hours.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Gym reimbursement.
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Internal growth opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Discounted BILSTEIN products.

We only accept online applications submitted through the 'Apply Now' button on this job posting. You can find all current job openings on our career site at: https://jobs.thyssenkrupp.com/en Thank you for your interest in joining our team!

Notices:

Job Applicant Notice of Collection - tk Bilstein

thyssenkrupp Notice of Fraudulent Job Offers

Know your rights poster” - Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal