Customer Program Manager
Summary: The Customer Program Manager is responsible for complete ownership of assigned customer programs from initial RFQ through final shipment. This role serves as the primary point of contact for customers while coordinating all internal activities required to successfully launch, manufacture, and deliver products.

Success in this position requires a strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes, production workflows, ERP systems, and supply chain management. The Customer Program Manager works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing, Shipping, and outside suppliers to ensure customer requirements are translated into successful execution on the shop floor.

This is a highly visible, hands-on role for someone who takes initiative, thrives on solving problems, and is willing to actively engage with customers, suppliers, and manufacturing personnel to drive results. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable discussing technical manufacturing requirements, reviewing production status on the shop floor, and communicating directly with customers.

Essential Duties:

Customer & Program Ownership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers.
• Develop strong customer relationships built on responsiveness, accountability, and trust.
• Manage customer programs from RFQ through shipment, maintaining ownership throughout the entire lifecycle.
• Proactively communicate project status, risks, schedule changes, and solutions to customers.
• Lead customer onboarding activities for new parts and programs.
• Resolve customer issues by coordinating appropriate resources and driving timely corrective actions.

Quoting & Technical Review

• Review customer RFQs, drawings, specifications, and requirements to determine scope, manufacturability, and processing requirements.
• Prepare quotations for standard components and assemblies. Collaborate with Engineering on highly technical, complex, or non-standard manufacturing opportunities.
• Develop accurate quotations based on manufacturing processes, labor requirements, material costs, outside processing, and production capabilities.
• Work closely with Engineering and Operations to determine manufacturing methods and cost structures.
• Participate in pricing decisions and quote follow-up activities.

ERP & Production Setup

• Create and maintain part masters, BOMs, routings, and related ERP data for standard products and manufacturing processes. Coordinate with Engineering on complex routings, advanced manufacturing requirements, and specialized process development.
• Ensure accurate setup of new parts and production requirements within the ERP system.
• Verify manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and production requirements are complete and accurate prior to release.

Production Coordination & Execution

• Actively monitor customer orders through all stages of production.
• Work directly with Production, Planning, Quality, Purchasing, and Shipping to ensure customer commitments are achieved.
• Identify and resolve production bottlenecks, schedule conflicts, material shortages, and other obstacles that impact delivery performance.
• Regularly review production status and engage directly with manufacturing personnel to drive progress.
• Coordinate schedule priorities based on customer requirements and company objectives.

Supplier & Logistics Management

• Coordinate outside processing and subcontract supplier activities.
• Manage supplier communication related to lead times, priorities, and delivery commitments.
• Partner with Shipping and Logistics personnel to ensure on-time customer deliveries.
• Resolve transportation, shipping, and supplier-related issues as they arise.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and program profitability.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives related to quoting, order management, production planning, and fulfillment.
• Support ERP data accuracy and standardization efforts.

Qualifications Requirements:

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, program management, project management, estimating, production planning, or a related field.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain customer relationships
• A generally positive disposition with the ability to be professionally firm when required
• Sufficient technical ability to develop an understanding of various manufacturing techniques and capabilities
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong computer – MS Office – skills
• Strong and professional communication skills – oral and written
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Desired Qualifications:

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree
• Engineering Degree
• Experience creating BOMs, routings, and manufacturing work orders.
• Experience with quoting and cost estimating.
• Knowledge of production scheduling and supply chain management.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is required to:

• Frequently stand or sit
• Regular use of computer
• Occasionally walk; stoop or kneel; reach with arms; and lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Utilize specific vision abilities including close vision and distance vision.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Office work environment
• Manufacturing/Fabrication work environment

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Manufacturing: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person