Program Manager, Technician Apprentice - Remote

For more than 25 years, MSX International has been a dedicated partner to leading automotive brands around the world. We support them in transforming their businesses and in managing their operations across the areas of Customer Experience, Repair Optimization, Learning and Insights. We focus on helping our clients generate more value for their customers. With over 5,000 employees based in more than 80 countries worldwide, our teams provide industry-leading expertise. We have combined our deep industry expertise with cutting-edge technology solutions to help our automotive clients increase revenue and reduce costs, while enhancing operational efficiency and improving customer satisfaction.  Our goal is to help our customers reach their full potential and to excel as their global partner of choice. 

We are looking for a seasoned Program Manager to join our team in a highly dynamic role!  You will lead a team supporting technical training delivery for our premium automotive OEM client. This leadership role provides oversight of activities including class scheduling, apprentice technical training preparation and delivery, apprentice technician recruiting, and retention of apprentice technicians within the dealer network. Success will rely on your close partnership with the OEM client to understand their products, technologies, and business objectives as well as being able to inspire, coach, and guide aspiring automotive technicians at the beginning of their careers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

• Manage multiple project components simultaneously and according to deadlines.
• Develop and implement a successful program plan
• Design repeatable, standardized processes.
• Establish reporting against KPIs
• Collaborate with client and program coordinator to optimize and manage class scheduling.
• Responsible for all aspects of student success throughout the apprentice program, i.e., standards of excellence and student performance, progress monitoring, housing/accommodations, mentoring and coaching.
• Assume ownership of all aspects of project delivery, including budget management, timelines, customer invoicing, quality of deliverables, and client satisfaction.

Recruiting and Retention

• Develop and execute targeted recruiting plans in collaboration with recruiters
• Coordination with corporate careers programs on recruiting initiatives.
• Assessment and recommendations related to trade school partnerships.
• Support of public relations efforts related to technician communications and social media.
• Integration with clients and Dealer Advisory Boards to address concerns and present solutions.
• Development of program materials, with support from MSX account team
• Promoting and supporting OEM to schools with automotive programs.
• Support and/or attend technician recruiting & retention events.

Team Management

• Manage team of technical trainers, recruiters, and program coordinator to meet client objectives.
• Motivate and guide team members while ensuring performance.
• Evaluate job performance of all team members.
• Ensure trainers are appropriately trained.
• Resolve resourcing constraints as needed.
• Recruit and hire new team members as needed.

Client Communications

• Responsible for client satisfaction as primary point of contact.
• Establish rapport and build relationships with key customer stakeholders.
• Conduct program meetings and maintain documentation and reporting.
• Manage all client communications, including weekly status and presentations, i.e., Quarterly Business Reviews, reporting, etc.
• Leadership of client meetings and presentations.
• Attend onsite meetings at client location as required.

• Minimum 5-7 years in project management.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop personnel, especially those who are in the early stages of their career.
• Strong MS Office experience (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Success in a fast-paced environment with aggressive deadlines and frequent change.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with extreme attention to detail.
• Proven client relationship management skills.
• Strong work ethic and an enthusiastic, “can-do” attitude.
• Track-record of taking initiative and being a problem-solver.
• Understanding of retail technician landscape, i.e., challenges, career path opportunities, hiring challenges.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Automotive technician experience, a plus.
• Experience managing technical training programs, a plus.
• Experience as a technical training instructor, a plus

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to travel to South Carolina and other training locations as needed for observation and coordination with client.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s or higher (preferred) or Automotive Technology Degree, or equivalent work experience.
• Must be fluent in English (additional foreign languages a plus).
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

MSX International is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to employing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.