Program Manager

Job Description

Overview: Reporting to the Director of Sales, the program management team manages changes in product (new introduction or continual improvement of existing), process (innovations, business applications, ...) and strategic initiatives (localization, vertical integration, supply partnerships, new markets ). The team applies product and business knowledge with financial acumen to advance the organizations goals for all the three product groups of Aftermarket, Commercial Vehicle, and Automotive OEMs.

The Program Manager interfaces with internal and external customers, engineering, operations, sales, quality, finance and purchasing departments. The PM interacts with and reports program status to senior management, in various forms, on all programs to ensure a successful product launch.

Key Responsibilities:

RECARO Automotive North America has multiple Automotive OEM new business acquisition opportunities. Initially this role will work alongside the sales team to coordinate new business acquisition activities. Joining a program upon successful acquisition.

Management of assigned programs using the APQP-based, gated RECARO Program Management System, R-PROMS.

Act as an ambassador for the company as you interact with our customers and provide excellent project delivery services.

Facilitate the creation of a robust project statement of work and associated business plan.

Drive the program team to use product and business knowledge combined with financial acumen to improve the project schedule, profitability, and quality metrics.

Support maintaining IATF16949:2016 and ISO14001:2015 accreditation.

Work cross-functionally to ensure program information is tracked and released correctly, using the proper management systems such as PLEX, Microsoft TEAMs, Sharepoint and other similar management tools.

Hold monthly program reviews and scheduled gate reviews with the leadership team.

Achieve PM KPIs.

Requirements & Qualification:

Bachelor's degree, or equivalent relevant professional experience, in business, engineering, product/design development.

6+ Years of automotive or relevant program management/coordination experience.

Automotive OEM experience with Ford and GM - desirable.

Seating and associated components experience - desirable.

Business and financial acumen to build profitable product lines.

Strong customer orientation as a trusted, collaborative and productive partner.

Results and detail-oriented: holds self and others accountable for commitments.

Knowledge of manufacturing and assembly plant processes, procedures, facilities, and equipment.

Expertise in problem-solving techniques and root cause analysis for continual improvement perspective.

Experience in PLEX ERP software system preferred.

Knowledge of APQP-based, gated project management systems.

German or Japan language capability could be beneficial.

Regional travel 5%.