Senior Customer Program Manager – Automotive Solutions & Cross‑Functional Project Leadership
About brighthush
brighthush is a global pioneer in advanced materials and cutting‑edge solutions that power the next generation of automotive technology. From high‑performance composites to next‑gen electronic interfaces, our products enable automotive manufacturers to deliver safer, lighter, and more efficient vehicles. With a presence in over 30 countries and a culture that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, brighthush is the partner of choice for automotive leaders who demand excellence and speed to market.
Why Join brighthush?
At brighthush, we believe that the most powerful engines are built on a foundation of people. Our teams are empowered to experiment, iterate, and bring bold ideas to life. Whether you’re a seasoned program manager or a rising star, you’ll find:
- Access to world‑class technology and a portfolio that spans the entire automotive value chain.
- A collaborative environment where cross‑functional teams—from engineering and manufacturing to marketing and supply chain—work side‑by‑side.
- Opportunities to lead high‑impact projects that shape the future of mobility.
- A culture that values transparency, accountability, and continuous learning.
Role Overview
As a Senior Customer Program Manager – Automotive Solutions & Cross‑Functional Project Leadership, you will be the linchpin that connects our automotive customers, internal engineering teams, and production partners. You will own the end‑to‑end lifecycle of customer‑centric programs, ensuring that every milestone is delivered on time, within scope, and with the highest quality. Your strategic vision, coupled with hands‑on execution, will enable brighthush to maintain its position as a trusted partner in the automotive industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Cross‑Functional Teams: Assemble and guide multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing experts—to achieve program objectives.
- Develop and Manage Program Plans: Create comprehensive program roadmaps, define deliverables, set realistic timelines, and monitor progress against key performance indicators.
- Coordinate Product Development: Act as the primary liaison between automotive customers and brighthush’s product development teams, ensuring that customer requirements are translated into actionable design and engineering tasks.
- Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders; provide regular status updates and manage expectations.
- Risk & Issue Management: Identify potential risks early, develop mitigation strategies, and resolve issues promptly to keep programs on track.
- Continuous Improvement: Capture lessons learned, implement process improvements, and share best practices across the organization.
- Financial Oversight: Monitor program budgets, forecast costs, and ensure financial targets are met while maintaining quality standards.
- Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure all program activities comply with industry regulations, safety standards, and brighthush’s internal quality guidelines.
Essential Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in program or project management within the automotive or high‑tech manufacturing sector.
- Proven track record of leading cross‑functional teams to deliver complex, multi‑phase programs on time and within budget.
- Deep understanding of the product development lifecycle—from concept through production—and the ability to translate customer needs into engineering requirements.
- Strong proficiency with project‑management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, JIRA, Asana) and business analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to manage stakeholder expectations, negotiate priorities, and drive consensus across functional boundaries.
- Experience with Agile and Lean methodologies is highly desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree (MBA, MS in Engineering, or equivalent) or professional certifications such as PMP, Prince2, or Six Sigma.
- Experience working with automotive OEMs or Tier‑1 suppliers.
- Knowledge of automotive safety standards (ISO 26262, VDA 6.1) and quality management systems.
- Fluency in additional languages (e.g., German, French, Mandarin) is a plus.
- Prior experience in a remote or distributed team environment.
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture while managing day‑to‑day details.
- Leadership & Influence: Inspire teams, drive collaboration, and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Analytical Acumen: Translate data into actionable insights and make data‑driven decisions.
- Adaptability: Thrive in a fast‑changing environment and pivot quickly when priorities shift.
- Customer‑Centric Mindset: Put the customer at the center of every decision and deliver exceptional value.
- Problem‑Solving: Identify root causes, develop creative solutions, and implement them effectively.
- Time Management: Prioritize tasks, manage multiple concurrent programs, and meet deadlines.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
At brighthush, your career trajectory is as dynamic as the automotive industry itself. As a Senior Customer Program Manager, you will:
- Progress to Program Director or Head of Customer Programs, overseeing a portfolio of high‑impact initiatives.
- Take on global leadership roles, managing programs across multiple regions and cultures.
- Participate in executive‑level strategy sessions, shaping the future direction of brighthush’s automotive portfolio.
- Benefit from continuous learning programs, including leadership development, technical workshops, and industry conferences.
- Receive mentorship from senior leaders who are passionate about nurturing talent and fostering innovation.
Work Environment & Culture at brighthush
Our remote‑first model empowers you to work from anywhere while staying connected to a vibrant, collaborative community. We celebrate diversity, encourage open dialogue, and reward initiative. You’ll find:
- Weekly virtual town halls and cross‑functional syncs to keep everyone aligned.
- Access to cutting‑edge collaboration tools (Slack, Teams, Miro) that make teamwork seamless.
- A culture of psychological safety where ideas are challenged constructively and failures are viewed as learning opportunities.
- Regular team‑building events, hackathons, and innovation challenges that keep the creative spark alive.
Compensation & Benefits
While specific figures are tailored to experience and location, brighthush offers a competitive total rewards package that includes:
- At‑market base salary with performance‑based bonuses.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- 401(k) matching and retirement savings options.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
- Professional development budget for courses, certifications, and conferences.
- Flexible work arrangements and remote‑work stipend.
- Employee wellness programs, including virtual fitness classes and mental health resources.
How to Apply
Ready to drive innovation in the automotive sector and lead transformative programs? Click the link below to submit your application and join the brighthush family.
Apply to this role at brighthush
Closing Statement
At brighthush, we’re not just building products; we’re shaping the future of mobility. If you’re a strategic thinker, a collaborative leader, and a relentless problem‑solver, we want you on our team. Bring your expertise, your passion, and your vision, and together we’ll accelerate the automotive industry into a smarter, safer, and more sustainable tomorrow.
Apply for this job