Program Manager (Supplier Operations)

About the Opportunity

Our client, a leading global company in the automotive industry, is looking for an experienced Program Manager to join a strategic project based at one of its key suppliers in Barcelona.

This role will serve as the primary point of contact between our client and the supplier, ensuring effective coordination, monitoring operational performance, identifying deviations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting production excellence, mitigating risks, and ensuring project objectives are achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the main interface between our client and the assigned supplier.
• Monitor production activities and oversee program execution to ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Identify operational deviations, process inconsistencies, bottlenecks, and potential risks.
• Perform root cause analysis and develop corrective and preventive action plans.
• Drive the implementation and follow-up of improvement initiatives, ensuring timely resolution of identified issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve operational challenges and support project milestones.
• Track project progress, key performance indicators (KPIs), risks, and deliverables, providing regular updates to stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, focusing on quality, efficiency, delivery performance, and operational excellence.
• Ensure supplier activities comply with customer expectations, quality standards, and program requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience as a Program Manager, Project Manager, Supplier Development Engineer, or Supplier Program Manager within the automotive or manufacturing industry.
• Solid experience working directly with suppliers and manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of production processes, project management, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to identify operational risks and successfully implement corrective action plans.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, international environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Tier 1 automotive suppliers or OEM environments.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and automotive quality standards.
• Experience managing supplier performance through KPIs and operational metrics.

Languages

• Fluent English (mandatory).
• Spanish is highly desirable.
• Portuguese is considered an advantage.

What We Are Looking For

• A proactive and results-driven professional.
• Strong leadership and relationship management skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning capabilities.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive change across different organizations.
• A hands-on approach with a continuous improvement mindset.