Senior Program Manager

Unclassified - Novi, MI

Full-time - Mid Level

Novi, MI

About the position

The Program Manager will oversee the Yanfeng Product Realization Process (PRP) programs, ensuring effective planning, monitoring, and implementation of objectives. This role involves interfacing with various levels of management, leading cross-functional teams, and serving as a central communication point for the Simultaneous Development Team (SDT). The Program Manager will also be responsible for managing scope changes, risks, and ensuring compliance with the product launch process.

Responsibilities

• Plan, monitor, and implement Yanfeng Product Realization Process (PRP) programs and objectives.
• Interface with all levels of internal and customer management on all aspects of planning, scheduling, organizing, directing, and controlling the program.
• Lead cross-functional project teams and coach other program management professionals.
• Represent the Simultaneous Development Team (SDT) in a professional way to the customer and Yanfeng management.
• Build the team technically and personally through mentoring and coaching.
• Resolve conflicts between team members, departments, and the customer.
• Negotiate with internal and external groups, vendors, and customers.
• Identify the root cause of a problem, develop corrective action, and lead the team to resolution.
• Serve as a central communication point for the SDT to ensure that each SDT member is aware of their deliverables, timing, and commitments at all times.
• Train and coach the SDT in Yanfeng Product Launch process to ensure compliance.
• Manage the SDT to meet timing, cost, manufacturing, quality, and cost targets.
• Create agenda, schedule meetings and keep the meeting on task.
• Communicate the impact of scope changes to the customer and SDT in a timely manner in terms of cost, timing, product, quality of execution and impact on the program.
• Manage the program scope and ensure all scope changes are captured in the appropriate documents.
• Utilize the scope change approval process for internal and customer scope changes.
• Differentiate scope changes from engineering changes.
• Manage the risk of scope changes and keep management informed of changes and their effect on the program.
• Anticipate risk caused by late tasks and change by developing a mitigation strategy.
• Establish a documented implementation plan and containment action for engineering changes at launch.
• Work with suppliers to ensure all necessary resources are in place for launch.
• Provide on-site plant support throughout pre-production builds.
• Follow up on Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) to ensure plant material functions are ready.
• Maintain and manage scope changes within one year of launch.
• Schedule Finance SDT meeting once a month, from Development Start through Post Launch.
• Meet financial targets of the program and manage Financial Roadmap dates, actions, and costs.
• Ensure the product(s) is designed to meet Bill of Materials (BOM) cost targets by facilitating between engineering and finance to meet targets.
• Create a breakdown structure (WBS) with customer milestones/deliverables used as the foundation.
• Responsible for the timeline and related timing documents, i.e., prototype schedule, CAD schedule, part matrices, etc. are consistent.
• Create issue lists that were clear and concise with due dates and deliverables.
• Responsible for leading the team to meet Craftsmanship objectives, and action plan to address gaps.
• Audit customer samples for customer satisfaction.
• Manage CAD schedule, prototype build schedule, and testing schedule and ensure any gaps are addressed to meet the timeline.
• Audit ED, DV, and PV testing results and manage timing and corrective action to support the launch.
• Facilitate change management meetings.
• Meet applicable product requirements including specifications, functional expectations, and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate with data for scope changes with cost, quality, and timing impact.
• Gain internal consensus on scope changes prior to communicating to the customer.
• Maintain regular contact with customers to communicate problems early.

Requirements

• Proven experience in program management and product realization processes.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to identify problems and develop corrective actions.
• Experience in managing scope changes and risk mitigation strategies.
• Familiarity with financial management and cost targets related to product development.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the automotive industry or related fields.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and product specifications.
• Familiarity with CAD and prototype development processes.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• 401k retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.