Program Manager
The Program Manager at Clarios is responsible for leading complex, cross-functional programs that drive innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction across the organization. This role oversees the full lifecycle of strategic initiatives, from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with business goals, timelines, and budgets. The position requires a strong ability to manage multiple stakeholders, mitigate risks, and deliver results in a fast-paced, global environment. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and business insight to successfully manage high-impact programs that support Clarios' long-term growth and transformation.
Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of large-scale programs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, timelines, and financial targets across global teams.
Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and commercial functions to ensure seamless program execution and stakeholder alignment.
Develop and maintain detailed program plans, schedules, and budgets, proactively identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure successful outcomes.
Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, providing regular updates on program status, milestones, and key performance indicators.
Drive continuous improvement by identifying process inefficiencies and implementing best practices in program management methodologies and tools.
Ensure compliance with internal governance processes, quality standards, and regulatory requirements throughout the program lifecycle.
Facilitate decision-making by preparing and presenting business cases, trade-off analyses, and scenario planning to senior leadership.
Manage program scope, change control, and resource allocation to maintain alignment with evolving business priorities and customer needs.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation within program teams to drive high performance and engagement.
Support post-launch activities including performance tracking, lessons learned, and knowledge transfer to ensure long-term program success.
Mentor junior project managers and contribute to the development of program management capabilities across the organization.
Represent Clarios in customer-facing program reviews, ensuring transparency, responsiveness, and alignment with client expectations.
Required :
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field;
Minimum of 5 years of experience in program or project management, preferably within the automotive, manufacturing, or energy sectors.
Proven track record of successfully managing complex, cross-functional programs from initiation through completion in a global environment.
Strong understanding of program management methodologies, tools, and best practices, including Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid approaches.
Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders across multiple levels of the organization.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and manage ambiguity in dynamic environments.
Proficiency in project management software such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or similar tools, along with strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.
Experience managing budgets, schedules, and resources across multiple concurrent initiatives with competing priorities.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to executive audiences.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-cultural teams and navigate organizational complexity in a matrixed structure.
Familiarity with product development processes, supply chain operations, and quality systems in a manufacturing environment.
Willingness to travel domestically as needed to support program execution and stakeholder engagement.
Preferred :
Master's degree or PMP certification strongly preferred.
Experience working in automotive, manufacturing, or energy sectors.
What you get :
Medical, dental and vision care coverage and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching all starting on date of hire.
Tuition reimbursement, perks, and discounts.
Parental and caregiver leave programs.
All the usual benefits such as paid time off, flexible spending, short-and long-term disability, basic life insurance, business travel insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and domestic partner benefits.
Global market strength and worldwide market share leadership.
HQ location earns LEED certification for sustainability plus a full-service cafeteria and workout facility.
Clarios has been recognized as one of 2025's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere.
Who we are : Clarios is the force behind the world's most recognizable car battery brands, powering vehicles from leading automakers like Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. With 18,000 employees worldwide, we develop, manufacture, and distribute energy storage solutions while recovering, recycling, and reusing up to 99% of battery materialssetting the standard for sustainability in our industry. At Clarios, we're not just making batteries; we're shaping the future of sustainable transportation. Join our mission to innovate, push boundaries, and make a real impact. Veterans / Military Spouses : We value the leadership, adaptability, and technical expertise developed through military service. At Clarios, those capabilities thrive in an environment built on grit, ingenuity, and passionwhere you can grow your career while helping to power progress worldwide. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics.
Program Manager • Milwaukee, WI, US