Program Manager

About Tenneco 

At Tenneco, we don’t follow industry standards; we set them, and we don’t settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it’s our Core Values–radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win–or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we’re determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry. How do we make it happen? Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It’s what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success. 

About the Role

The Program Manager is ultimately responsible and accountable for the execution of all programs assigned to him / her, and adherence to Tenneco program management processes. This role ensures flawless launch performance and meets all program targets including but not limited to: 0-0-100-100-30 (0 recordable injuries; 0 customer quality rejections; 100% on time delivery to the customer; 100% of the CAR financial targets; measured during the first 30 calendar days after the customer’s Start of Production). 

1. End-to-End Program Management
   Lead automotive programs from Gate 1 through Gate 7, ensuring effective planning, execution, issue resolution, and successful program launches.

2. Cross-Functional Leadership
   Coordinate and collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Finance, Sales, Purchasing, Operations, Launch Managers, plants, and suppliers to drive program success.

3. Scope, Risk & Change Management
   Manage customer scope changes, perform trade-off analysis (cost, timing, quality, and resources), identify risks early, and execute mitigation and escalation plans.

4. Project Delivery & Resource Planning
   Develop and manage project timelines, ensure all gates and customer milestones (MRDs) are achieved on time, and optimize resource utilization.

5. Financial & Business Management
   Ensure programs meet budget, profitability, and financial targets by managing business cases, CAPEX requests (CARs), and financial roadmaps.

6. Quality & Supplier Management
   Drive program quality objectives, ensure timely sourcing and PPAP completion, support Make vs. Buy decisions, and maintain strong supplier performance through regular reviews and visits.

7. Leadership, Customer Focus & Communication
   Demonstrate strong leadership, decision-making, stakeholder management, customer focus, and communication skills while fostering teamwork and driving execution across the organization.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Required)
• MBA / Master's Degree in Business Administration (Preferred)
• PMP Certification (Preferred)

Experience Required

• Minimum 6 years of experience in the automotive industry
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a functional area such as Engineering, Operations, Finance, Quality, Sales, or Purchasing
• Experience in at least two key functions: Program Management, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Operations, or Sales
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex programs
• Strong knowledge of Program Management methodologies, tools, and techniques

Key Skills

• Program & Project Management
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Risk & Change Management
• Financial Acumen & Budget Management
• Customer Relationship Management
• Supplier Management
• Strong Written & Verbal Communication
• MS Office & MS Project
• Fluent English (German preferred)
• Willingness to Travel