Position Title: Associate Program Manager
Department: Programs
Reports to: Manager, Program Management
Wage range: $30–$36 +Commissions
Workplace Type: On-site
The Associate Program Manager supports customer programs within a fast-paced Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) environment and serves as a developmental position designed to build the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to progress into a Program Manager role.
This position works closely with Program Managers, customers, and internal cross-functional teams to support the successful execution of customer requirements related to quality, delivery, cost, and service. This role provides exposure to customer relationship management, quoting, supply chain coordination, manufacturing operations, engineering change management, inventory management, and ERP systems.
The Associate Program Manager assists in coordinating program activities, monitoring customer requirements, tracking key deliverables, and supporting communication between customers and internal teams. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, effective communication, a customer-focused mindset, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
The position is intended to provide a structured development path into a Program Manager role through increasing levels of responsibility, customer interaction, business acumen, and cross-functional leadership experience.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Support Program Managers in managing customer accounts and day-to-day program activities.
- Assist with customer communications regarding order status, delivery commitments, engineering changes, quality concerns, and program updates.
- Participate in internal and customer program review meetings and support follow-up actions.
- Coordinate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Planning, and Quality teams to support customer requirements and commitments.
- Ensure appropriate cross-functional problem-solving initiatives are in place to address program issues and risks.
- Track program milestones, action items, risks, and open issues to ensure timely resolution.
- Assist in monitoring customer demand forecasts, inventory levels, and material availability.
- Support the quotation process by gathering information, coordinating material pricing, and assisting with labor estimates.
- Create, maintain, and verify customer sales orders and related ERP transactions.
- Assist in the management and communication of engineering change orders (ECOs) and customer documentation revisions.
- Support new product introductions (NPI) and customer onboarding activities.
- Maintain accurate customer records, reports, and program documentation.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance customer satisfaction and operational performance.
- Escalate customer concerns, program risks, and operational issues appropriately.
- Develop an understanding of EMS manufacturing processes, supply chain management, quality systems, financial drivers, and customer expectations.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
- 1–3 years of experience in Customer Service, Project Coordination, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering Support, Program Management, or related business functions.
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment preferred.
- Ability to travel periodically to customer locations as required.
- Experience using an ERP system preferred.
Minimum Competencies:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
- Basic understanding of manufacturing and supply chain processes.
- Ability to analyze information, identify trends, and support problem-solving efforts.
- Professional conflict resolution and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively interact with all levels of the organization.
- Willingness to learn technical products, manufacturing processes, and customer requirements.
- Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and a desire for continuous learning and development.
Career Development and Progression:
The Associate Program Manager position is designed to serve as a developmental pathway into a Program Manager role. Individuals in this position will progressively assume greater ownership of customer accounts, program execution, and cross-functional leadership responsibilities as competencies are developed and demonstrated.
Development areas include:
- Customer Relationship Management
- Program execution and account ownership
- Quoting and pricing development
- Contract review and customer requirements management
- Inventory and supply chain management
- Manufacturing operations
- Engineering change management
- Risk identification and mitigation
- Financial and business acumen
- Conflict resolution and negotiation
- Cross-functional leadership
- Strategic problem-solving and decision-making
Advancement to Program Manager will be based on demonstrated competency, consistent performance, leadership capability, and the ability to independently manage customer programs while delivering results aligned with company objectives.
*Impact ES-Vancouver is not considering applicants who require international relocation to the United States. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship now or in the future.*
As part of our commitment to a safe and trustworthy workplace, Impact ES Vancouver conducts background checks on all final candidates. These checks may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other relevant information, depending on the position.
All background checks will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
A candidate's background will not be used as the sole basis for disqualification unless it is determined to be directly related to the responsibilities of the position.
