Program Manager, (Purchasing)

Company: Summit Polymers
Location: Portage
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Program Manager, Purchasing FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Director, Supply Chain (Purchasing) SUMMARY The Program Manager is responsible for managerial and technical work involving the development and design of the Supply Chain for components involved in a product. Manages program and project budgets and timelines related to Purchasing and Supply Chain while leading the PDT and serving as a primary Materials liaison with Sales, Design, Estimating, Accounting, Quality and Manufacturing. Manages key Purchasing and Supply Chain projects to support the business. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Under general supervision is responsible for the following major tasks: Participate in pre-production feasibility reviews to determine if new products are capable and designed within manufacturing standards. Coordinates the RFQ, Engineering Change, and New Business Award processes for all changes that impact Supply Chain and/or component pricing. Take the leadership role in the Materials PDT and serve as the liaison between sales, engineering, estimating, accounting, quality and manufacturing. Maintain the program’s overall budget as it relates to Purchasing and Supply Chain Review and Track LER detail for the program. Coordinates the activities of the Materials Department as it relates to program and project timing, budget, quality, customer satisfaction, APQP and launch activities. Maintains program and project timelines including development and tracking of the critical path and open issues lists. Collaborates with Buyers to develop and execute key Commodity Strategies. Manages key Supply Chain and Purchasing projects including Sourcing and Component Changes, Critical Supply, and High Impact Supplier Processes. Seeks and reviews opportunities for New Technologies or Innovations for Purchasing. Directs the activities of the Program Buyers to support PDT processes Coordinates handling of Program Extensions and assists with EC tracking Participates in and provides key Purchasing information for various gate reviews Up to 15% travel to International/Domestic locations may be required. Other duties as assigned. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE B.S. degree in Business or related field and 3 years automotive purchasing experience along with prior long term strategic project management experience and 7 years progressive manufacturing / supply chain experience. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Possesses the ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of choices. A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (26 on the Cognitive section). TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS This position typically does require up to 15% travel. DISCLAIMER The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training. Rev 1/19/2026

Keywords: Summit Polymers, Grand Rapids , Program Manager, (Purchasing), Engineering , Portage, Michigan