group leader, program management - lighting

position summary

the group leader, program management is responsible for leading, developing, and mentoring a team of program managers to ensure the successful execution of customer programs and achievement of business objectives. This position provides strategic direction, drives cross-functional collaboration, promotes best practices, and serves as a key liaison between senior leadership, customers, and the program management organization.

the idóneo candidate is a strong people leader with exceptional communication, collaboration, coaching, and stakeholder management skills, combined with a solid background in program management within a manufacturing or automotive environment.

leadership & team management

- lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of program managers, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture.
- conduct regular performance discussions, provide constructive feedback, and support career development planning.
- ensure consistent application of program management standards, methodologies, and best practices across all programs.
- promote accountability, engagement, and effective decision-making within the team.
- support succession planning and talent development initiatives within the department.
- resolve conflicts and remove barriers that may impact team performance or project execution.
- ensure adequate resource allocation and workload balancing across the program management organization.

program & portfolio oversight

- provide strategic oversight of multiple customer programs, ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer expectations.
- support program managers in the management of program timing, budget, profitability, risks, and deliverables.




- review program performance metrics and ensure corrective actions are implemented when necessary.
- escalate critical issues, risks, and resource constraints to leadership and support resolution efforts.
- ensure lessons learned and continuous improvement actions are implemented across the program portfolio.
- drive consistency and operational excellence in project execution throughout the organization.

communication & stakeholder management

- serve as the primary communication link between program managers, senior leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams.
- facilitate effective communication across engineering, operations, quality, purchasing, finance, sales, and manufacturing teams.
- lead regular portfolio reviews and provide executive-level updates on program performance, risks, and opportunities.
- promote transparency, alignment, and collaboration among internal and external stakeholders.
- support critical customer communications, escalations, and negotiations when required.

customer relationship management

- build and maintain strong customer relationships and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
- support program managers in addressing customer concerns, program challenges, and scope changes.
- participate in customer reviews and executive meetings as required.
- ensure commitments made to customers are effectively communicated and executed within the organization.
- act as an escalation point for customer issues impacting multiple programs.





operational excellence & continuous improvement

- champion continuous improvement initiatives within the program management organization.
- drive standardization of tools, processes, reporting, and governance practices.
- identify opportunities to improve efficiency, communication, and program execution.
- share best practices and lessons learned across teams and programs.
- support organizational transformation and change management initiatives.

required qualifications

education

- bachelor's degree in engineering, business, project management, or related field.

experience

- minimum 7+ years of program/project management experience in manufacturing or automotive environments.
- minimum 3+ years of direct people leadership experience managing project or program teams.
- demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams in a complex, matrix organization.
- experience working directly with customers and senior leadership.

skills

- strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
- excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
- strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
- proven conflict resolution and stakeholder management capabilities.
- strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- strong organizational and decision-making skills.
- ability to influence without direct authority.
- financial acumen and program profitability awareness.

languages

- bilingual (english required; spanish or french preferred depending on business needs).

preferred

- pmp certification or equivalent project management certification.
- experience managing multiple programs or leading a pmo/program management organization.
- automotive oem or tier 1 supplier experience.

📌 Group leader - lighting (México)
🏢 Opmobility
📍 México