Program Manager (Automotive OEM – APQP)

Founded to enable the coming electrification of everything, Group14 is the largest commercial manufacturer and supplier of advanced silicon battery technology, elevating performance for every type of battery application.
With headquarters in Seattle and Woodinville, WA, Group14 enables battery manufacturers and world-leading OEMs in automotive, consumer electronics, and beyond to achieve transformational milestones for a more sustainable future.
Backed by notable strategic investors and customers such as Porsche AG, Amperex Technology Limited (ATL), BASF, Showa Denko, and SK Inc, Group14 recently raised a $614 million Series C round and secured an additional $100 million grant from the U.
S.
Department of Energy to scale its technology.
WE'RE ON A QUEST TO ELECTRIFY THE WORLD The electrification of everything starts with amazing people.
We believe that a more sustainably powered world requires solutions for today, not years from now.
The passion, collaboration, perseverance, and bravery of our team continually inspires us to push beyond the conventional to deliver the truly incredible with everything we do.
Group14’s dedication to meeting the battery demands of today through lithium-silicon battery innovation and scalable commercial manufacturing processes are what differentiates us and makes us a reliable partner.
Recognized by the Department of Energy for its novel, drop-in ready nanomaterials and reliable industrial-scale process, Group14 serves the global transition to an all-electric future.
The Program Manager (Automotive OEM – APQP) will be responsible for managing the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process, defining, negotiating, communicating and leading the team that will fulfill customer requirements.
The APQP Program Manager will be part of the Business Development team and will be interfacing with Quality, Operations, Product, and others.
The APQP Program Manager will communicate APQP milestones to customers and work with internal stakeholders to ensure success through completion of PPAP (Production Part Approval Process).
This role will support Group14’s efforts to supply our products to the largest battery makers, EV OEMs, and consumer electronics companies in North America, Europe, and Asia.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING: -Manage the APQP process from concept to launch, ensuring all project milestones are met within schedule, budget, and quality parameters for new battery materials manufacturing facilities.
-Develop and maintain project plans and timelines for existing and new product programs.
-Ensure program team members are aligned on project goals/timing and manage stakeholder expectations.
-Lead cross-functional communication and coordination between engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and business development teams.
-Develop and implement risk management strategies to minimize project risks and ensure successful project outcomes.
-Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the APQP process to improve product quality, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.
-Develop Customer Facing messaging and negotiation strategies to ensure commercial success of products.
-Provide regular project status updates to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR: -Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; Master’s degree or PhD preferred.
-5+ years of experience in APQP program management, working with product development within the automotive industry and/or battery industry is preferred.
-Experience with global Industry standards such as ISO9001, IATF16949, VDA6.
3, AS9100 or other related industry standard.
-Experience supporting external audit for ISO9001, IATF16949, VDA6.
3, AS9100 or customer.
-Experience working with core Quality tools such as APQP, FMEA, PPAP, MSA, or SPC.
-Experience supporting new plant/facility.
-Strong project/program management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
-Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and facilitating communication between different departments.
-Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
-Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
OTHER QUALITIES WE’D LOVE FOR YOU TO HAVE: -Lean-Six Sigma Black Belt preferred, but not required.
-PMP certification or equivalent preferred, but not required.
-Intermediate to fluent written and verbal proficiency in Mandarin Chinese, to support our customers in China would be very useful, but not required.
-Other languages (such as German, Korean, etc.
) would also be useful, but not required.
-Prior experience in a startup environment.
GROUP14 OFFERS COMPELLING BENEFITS: -Medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability insurance -Benefits are 100% paid for by the company for employees (80% for dependents) -Paid time off -401(k) with company match -Stock options GROUP14 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER We love creating opportunities for others by connecting people from widely diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and geographies.
So, being diverse and inclusive isn’t just something we strive for, it is who we are, and part of what we do each and every single day.
We want to ensure that as an employee, you feel Group14 is a place where, no matter who you are, you feel safe, included, and that you have the opportunity to bring your unique self to work.
Please note: We are not able to accommodate candidates in need of work sponsorship at this time.
The base pay range for this role is $100,000 to $150,000.
Actual pay depends on various factors, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills.