Program Manager

Purpose

The Program Manager is responsible for leading new product launch programs in all aspects, from program award, or 'Request for Quotation' in some cases, until after Start of Production. In this key role, the Program Manager will liaise with the customer and several internal facing roles to coordinate design, development, validation, industrialization, commissioning, launch, and startup of new products. This role will manage a cross-functional, indirect reporting team, and will report to the Manager, Program Management - Mobility.

Objectives of the Role

• Manage and coordinate a cross-functional program team (R&D, Sales, Finance, Purchasing, Quality, Operations, SIOPs, Engineering) and define team members' objectives and assignments
• Develop, execute, and monitor timelines that align with customer deliverable dates and internal milestones
• Act as a liaison with the customer program and engineering team to capture scope changes to provide feedback on impacts to financials (price, capital, tooling) and timing
• Drive alignment to industry standard requirements including AIAG APQP, IATF 16949, and ISO 9001
• Facilitate periodic Product and Program Reviews with customer teams detailing timeline status, critical path migration, program risks and mitigations, and other critical topics
• Work with internal team to proactively identify product risks and develop mitigation plans to ensure launch success
• Manage internal capital acquisition requests, budgeting, and spending to deliver the project on time, at or under budget
• Facilitate regular Product & Program Reviews to the management team detailing timeline status, critical path migration, program risks and mitigations, and financial status

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Needed

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline (master’s degree is a plus)
• At least 5 years strong experience in Program Management
• 3 to 5 years of experience in Program and/or Product Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or other technical disciplines
• Proficient in program management methodology and software (MS Project, SharePoint, etc.)
• Highly effective cross-functional team management
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively in evolving environments, prioritize work independently, and adapt to changing priorities
• Able to communicate complex concepts clearly and persuasively to executive leadership
• Previous experience working with Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 automotive suppliers is required, with a strong preference for candidates coming directly from a Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment.
• Experience with APQP processes required
• Experience with IATF 16949/ISO 9001 requirements required
• Exceptional writing and editing skills combined with strong presentation and public speaking skills

Estimated Travel

25% required to Customer Locations and R&D/Manufacturing Sites (Detroit Metro and Buffalo, NY)