Spec Program Mgr

Job Summary

The Technology Program Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing Smart Factory initiatives that improve operational efficiency, productivity, quality, inventory management, and decision-making through digital transformation, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies. This role leads a portfolio of projects involving IoT, automation, AI, data integration, dashboards, AMRs/AGVs, digital workflows, and manufacturing systems while coordinating resources across engineering, production, maintenance, IT, OneCIS, third-party vendors, and corporate partners. The position ensures projects deliver measurable business results aligned with company strategic objectives.

Core Competencies, Knowledge, Skills & Education

• Safety-minded
• Strong continuous improvement skill set
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all team members and external parties
• Leadership
• Strong project leadership skills
• Ability to influence without direct authority
• Team facilitation and stakeholder management
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Effective at providing guidance and direction as required
• Self-directed with a strong attention to detail
• Cross functional leadership - Facilitate communication between stakeholders and leadership teams
• Technical Knowledge – at conceptual level:
  • Manufacturing processes
  • Industrial automation
  • PLC and controls fundamentals
  • Manufacturing execution systems
  • IoT and data collection technologies
  • AI and digital transformation concepts
  • Systems integration principles
• Business Skills:
  • Strategic planning
  • Budget development
  • CAPEX justification
  • ROI analysis
  • Risk management
  • KPI development
• Project Management:
  • Project scheduling
  • Resource planning
  • Vendor management
  • Scope management
  • Change control
  • Continuous improvement methodologies

Major Accountabilities

• Develop and maintain the Smart Factory roadmap aligned with company strategy and operational needs.
• Manage Smart Factory projects from concept through implementation, including schedules, milestones, budgets, resources, scope, and change control.
• Develop business cases, including ROI, project benefits, CAPEX planning, approvals, risk management, and KPI tracking.
• Monitor project status, communicate progress to leadership, and lead project reviews or governance meetings.
• Coordinate cross-functional communication among engineering, production, maintenance, IT, OneCIS, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Drive adoption of new systems and technologies through training plans, workforce upskilling, and change management.
• Provide leadership and support to the Smart Factory task force, including setting priorities, facilitating teamwork, and supporting continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with safety expectations, TGFS mission, vision, core values, TG policies, procedures, Hoshin activities, and IATF requirements.
• Support process improvement by collecting and analyzing data, implementing preventive and corrective actions, and promoting digital innovation.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by senior leadership.

Working Conditions

• 75% office, 25% plant floor.
• Must work scheduled hours, including weekends and overtime as needed.

Safety & PPE Requirements on the Plant Floor

• Glasses required in production areas
• Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes required
• Hair reaching shoulder length must be secured behind head in production areas
• High visibility clothing in required areas
• All other required PPE as outlined

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Automation, Information Systems, or related field.
• 5+ years of project management experience.
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience.
• Experience implementing automation, Industry 4.0, Smart Factory, or digital transformation projects.
• PMP certification.
• Understanding of IATF system requirement preferred
• Lean / TPS experience preferred.
• Knowledge of data visualization and analytics platforms.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge of JDE desired

Required Training

• FUEL Challenge Leadership Training (if available)
• TG Legal Compliance
• Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Phishing and Cybersecurity Basics
• Hazcom
• PPE
• 5S/2S
• 1Y
• LOTO Affected User
• STOP 7
• Fire & Weather Safety
• Stormwater Awareness
• Proper Labeling & Storage of Chemicals
• Proper Lifting/2-man Lifting
• Light Curtains & Safety Devices