Assistant Program Manager

About the Role

The Assistant Program Manager supports the Program Manager in coordinating all activities related to the fulfillment of assigned customer orders for commercial aircraft passenger seats. This includes oversight from sales handover through engineering, certification, supply chain, production, and program closure. The role focuses on ensuring customer satisfaction with RECARO Aircraft Seating products and services while maintaining cost, quality, and schedule control, as well as adhering to RECARO’s quality and design standards.

Responsibilities

• Support the Program Manager in managing programs from sales handover to closure, ensuring responsibility over cost, timeline, scope, and quality.
• Maintain the overall program timeline in support of agreed-upon due dates.
• Develop and manage a full-scale project plan in MS Project.
• Update and manage the ZACSA and MS Tracking databases.
• Define project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with the project team, senior management, and stakeholders.
• Manage program scope and assess the impact of scope changes.
• Serve as the primary point of communication with customers and stakeholders.
• Coordinate service bulletins and support the Program Manager in maintaining program documentation, including:
  • Program Action Items (internal and external)
  • Program Team Meeting minutes
  • Program Checklist
  • Program Milestone Meeting documentation (agendas and minutes)
  • Concessions and commitment letters through OEM product support processes
• Assist the Program Manager in managing program teams to achieve project results:
  • Conduct program task and team meetings efficiently.
  • Follow up on open items with individuals prior to their due dates.
  • Agree on and maintain OEM submittal requirements and due dates.
• Identify and manage project dependencies, critical paths, and project expectations with team members and stakeholders.
• Resolve issues and conflicts within the project team; escalate unresolved issues to the management board.
• Define priorities within the project and delegate tasks with clear accountability.
• Supervise all BFE (Buyer-Furnished Equipment) activities, including timely placement and receipt of orders for CDR, test, and HoV production seats.
• Ensure IFE test equipment is loaded with the correct software and functions properly to meet contract specifications.
• Serve as the primary focal point for ITCM, PDR, CDR, and other technical meetings.
• Organize the implementation of FAI (First Article Inspection) open items.
• Interface with OEM contacts and provide regular program progress reports to ensure visibility.
• Monitor OEM ratings continuously and negotiate or correct as required.
• Report program difficulties to the program review board and implement decisions.
• Determine the frequency and content of status reports, analyze results, and troubleshoot problem areas.
• Adhere to department processes and procedures; participate in team and PMO meetings to support process upgrades.
• Follow program management guidelines and standards for project execution.
• Prepare project audits and conduct risk analysis using RECARO standards and tools.
• Conduct project postmortems and create recommendations reports to identify successful and unsuccessful project elements (lessons learned).

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree; a degree in Business, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering is desired.
• 0-2 years of relevant experience.

Skills

• Strong, proven customer relations skills.
• High-level understanding of engineering concepts and FAA certification procedures for commercial aircraft seats.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to positively influence customer decisions while maintaining satisfaction.
• Proven track record of meeting commitments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise mature judgment.
• Ability to multi-task and operate in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Excellent organization, communication, and presentation skills (internal and external).
• Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Multicultural background is a plus.

Travel Requirements

Employees are expected to travel up to 25% of the time, including both national and international travel.