Manager Engineering

Cynthia A. Taaffee

***** ******* *****

Farmington Hills, Michigan 48335

Phone: 248-***-**** E-Mail: ********@*****.***

Objective:

To leverage my 30+ years of vehicle development, new model introduction and powertrain experience in new opportunities aligned with my Engineering background. My abilities to strategically define process operations, manage complex programs, drive standardization can contribute to a Corporations overall success. I have created, supported and develop a learning culture among others to advance knowledge. I am seeking opportunities within technical organizations that demand performance results, prizes standardization, requires data driven accuracy in all objectives, values leadership that integrates working together both inside and outside, and respects outside community involvement.

Education:

University of Michigan, Bachelors of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, 1981

University of Michigan, Masters of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, 1991

Key Attributes:

Analytical/Technical thinker and writer with Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering (including Advanced Math/Statistics and Modeling). 30 years Automotive Experience + 5 years outside Manufacturing Experience

Ford Launch Leadership experience and performance on cars, trucks and commercial vehicles achieving OKTB on time, at cost and with quality including International Launch experience (Thailand in 2009-2010 and Mexico in 2013-2014).

Experience developing product and process standards, testing processes, training and quality practices with other Automotive Corporations, Standards Bodies and outside consortiums. Represents Ford on technical committees. Direct experience with technical presentations to all levels within Ford. Vice-Chair – SAE Automotive Quality and Process Improvement Committee (APQIC).

Direct leadership of Enhanced Concern Identification business unit during the implementation of TREAD with exposure to statistical data collection, hazard analysis, safety concern identification, trends, Critical Concerns Group Recall operations, warranty analysis and quality performance (R/1000, TGW, CPU and product roadmaps).

Demonstrated capability to leading teams in Warranty, Recall and defect concern identification/ resolution. Worked with Federal agencies in developing containment. Strong ability to multi-task conflicting and competing assignments and due dates.

Manufacturing, Product Development, Powertrain, Corporate Testing/Standards and Quality/Field data direct application know how in design/development/deployment.

Active in Society of Women Engineers and in Ford Women in Manufacturing leadership. Ford Diversity Award winner for Inclusion in 2009.

Black Belt Certification, Lean Manufacturing trained/experienced, Certificate in Adult Learning/Training, FMEA/Control Plan expert (SAE J1739 original author), Grant Writing Certification (outside of Ford)

Detailed Experience at Ford Motor Company:

Global Data Insights and Analytics – Data Supply Chain and Operations Manager (2015- Present)

Responsible for the co-development of the Data Supply Chain application for ingesting, curating and providing one “Source of the Truth” for Ford analytics.

Developed training Ecosystem around SAS analytic tools to support the Analysts experience levels and technical growth.

Worked with Ford Global on setting up an interactive high performance computing space on Hadoop and administrate tool licenses, accounts, deployment and communication support for an “Always ON” environment

Assisted in the development of a Hadoop Ecosystem for Smart Mobility and Connected Vehicle information including Ford Pass and wireless modem.

Defined the Data Supply Chain infrastructure with policies and processes to enable interaction and performance for Ford in development.

Worked with outside suppliers for standard software (being customized by IT) to provide analytic capabilities for GDI&A.

Developed Data Governance Processes and worked with Legal on Opt-In Strategies for Ford.

New Model Program Launch Manager Positions

New Model Program, H567 (F550 and F650 Commercial Truck) Launch Manager, 2014- 2015

New Model Program, B299/U22x (Fiesta and Expedition) Launch Manager, 2012- 2014

New Model Program, FNA Powertrain (Transmission and Engine Programs) Launch Manager, 2011-2012

New Model Programs, Launch Manager Asian Fiesta (B299A) Thailand, 2009-2010

Vehicle Operations, New Model Programs Launch Manager, 2003 Town Car and 2004 Carryover F-Series, 2002-2003

Vehicle Operations, New Model Programs Launch Leader, 2001 Cougar – Auto Alliance, 2000-2001

Leads external communication to key stakeholder via New Model Programs Launch (NMP) Assessments and Senior Management Reviews on key issues and status from the Launch, including compliance to all Corporate Standards and vehicle salability for Ford.

Day to Day on site Launch Direction leadership of the cross functional teams (PD, Assembly, Quality, Vehicle Integration, STA, etc.) utilizing Engineering background to drive resolution of issues and vehicle verification builds (TT- Ok to Buy builds).

Responsible Launch Manager for all Ford North American Engine and Transmission Launches including Canada and Mexico. Supported 10 Powertrain locations and over 16 launches for 2012CY. Responsible for achieving launch and OK to Buy on time, at cost and with quality to Ford.

Validation of Powertrain and Vehicle OK to Buy Scorecard and Launch presentation formats to standards.

Leads external communication to Senior Management and others key stakeholder via Launch Assessments and reviews on key issues and status from the Launch, including compliance to all Corporate Standards and vehicle salability for Ford.

Launched the first Voice of the Customer Fleet in Thailand to support the launch. Involved in the deployment of the standards and formats with over 30+ local drivers on two shifts. Staffed a reporting process office and deployed the standard VOCF reporting formats. Worked closely with AAT to develop the supporting garage services.

New Model Program, Special Management Assignment to Global Executive Director, 2010-2011

Developed and deployed three (3) key departmental initiatives:

-Metrics for Launch that evaluate the Marketing response to delayed OK to Buys and product on dealership lots.

-The overall Launch Metric project that defined key processes between PD, Safety Office, Quality, Supplier Technical Assistance and Purchasing, Manufacturing and Marketing. This project resulted in a key interface model of significant processes and a swim lane map to GPDS timing. Approved by VP Global Quality in 2011.

-Development of a proposal to create a New Model Programs Global Organization that would focus and support Powertrain Operations for Ford. Global Organization and Structure Proposal approved in July 2011 at the Automotive Strategy Meeting (ASM). Manning and support models for Ford North America approved by Mark Fields for added headcount in August 2011. Powertrain NMP staffed per model both internally and through external hires by November 2011.

Supported the Executive Director in presentations for Group Vice President of Quality on other department topics.

Completed Black Belt Training in May 2011.

New Model Programs, Prototype, Process and Strategy Manager, 2008-2009

Led the New Model Programs Prototype Operations planning and deployment within the New Model Programs Development Center. Prototype Planning and Build Planners direct reports. Deployed 4 Major Vehicle Prototype builds, 2 Major Update builds working with Rousch Corporation. Developed a material follow up system for suppliers to support material flow in plant.

Control for New Model Programs activities including budget, headcount and resources, and direct support of the Executive Director of New Model Launch.

Chief of Staff support for NMP department including holding management meetings and off sites as well as New Model Launch meetings that reviewed program status for Product Development, Vehicle Operations, and other supporting activities.

Other Ford Positions:

Material Cost Organization, PTO Lean Supplier Optimization Manager, 2006-2008

Supported the development of a new Ford cost recovery program for the supply base during Ford Lean Years. Supported the Engine, Transmission and Powertrain as Installed Steering Teams

Developed and lead a team of 7 Engineers in recovery of $10M as part of the $200M objective in returning cost to Ford.

Trained and certified in Lean Techniques and Methods (Ford processes and Lean Academy). Support Ford Material Cost Recovery Events for Engineering.

Powertrain Quality Office, Program Process Engineering Manager, 2004 – 2006

Led standardization and deployment of Forward Model Engineering Quality Operating System (EQOS) support for all major programs within Engine, Transmission and Diesel Engineering Activities.

Responsible for Senior Management PTO Quality’s overall program health status (scorecard and gateways positions) and governed systemic issues resolution at the systems level.

Championed standardization of robustness disciplines at the systems level for Powertrain Engineering and takes leadership roles in meeting cadence for Powertrain review of programs (e.g. Program Implementation Reviews (PIRs), Powertrain Quality Reviews (PTQR), etc.).

Responsible for reviewing cost reduction actions (MCRs) and engineering delivery to mitigate risk to quality and ensure robustness in the change process.

Core Quality Office, Data Analysis and Emerging Issues Manager, Enhanced Concern Identification, 2003-2004

Lead Ford’s Safety and Warranty Data Analysis to support both North American Warranty and Automotive Safety Office.

Key active members of Critical Concerns Regulatory Group (CCRG). Worked closely cross functionally to address NHTSA inquiries and accident investigations.

Worked with Governmental Affairs, ASO and Ford to understand Federal Regulations and implement the business solution to the Federal TREAD Act. Leadership of Concern Analysts to support Ford’s TREAD reporting requirements to NHTSA and Federal Law.

Provided the Office of General Council with data analysis and concern reporting support for legal inquires.

Developed standardization and implementation of the Hazard Analysis methodology and Warranty reporting for Emerging Issues within Ford for concern resolution.

Vehicle Operations, New Model Programs Launch Manager, Process Strategy Manager, 2001-2002

Lead New Model Programs internal and cross-functional external team to develop first Launch Quality Operating System (LQOS) that governs all aspects for Ford New Model launches. Delivered LQOS in electronic format (database), developed standardized QOS format, included all forms and supporting documents for use in three-month time frame for Senior Vice President of Advanced Manufacturing.

Controlled New Model Programs activities including budget, headcount and resources, and direct support of the Director of New Model Launch.

Environmental and Safety Engineering and Advanced Engineering, Principle Development Engineer (Various Positions), 1992-2000

Developed, Released and supported Ford’s Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Handbook and Methodology Deployment. Co-Authored Industry Standard (SAE J-1729) on FMEAs. Supported the deployment of FMEA process in Jaguar and Ford of Europe.

Developed Manufacturing Control Plan Handbook and Methodology Deployment for Industry Standards. Worked with Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) to publish several standards including PPAP and Control Plans.

Single point of contact for Advanced Standards support for Electric Vehicle Charging Standards. Communicated worldwide positions to Electric Vehicle Management for battery charging and storage.

Developed Core Document Library of Books for Standards and Lessons Learned in the PD Environment (FMEA book, Design Standards and Guidelines Book, Testing (CETPs)).

Environmental and Safety Engineering and Advanced Engineering, Principle Development Engineer (Various Positions), 1992-2000

Lead conversion of Engineering Test Procedures into an integrated Test Catalogue as Corporate Test Procedures (CETPs) to support development and delivery of test tracking software for Global Test Operations (GTO).

Developed Manufacturing standards and core book for processes such as welding, fabrication techniques, etc. which are now part of Vehicle Operations general principles.

Coordinated the development of classroom instruction on various subjects including Ford fastener processes, SDSs and container reuse systems.

Employee Relations, Technical Training Associate, 1990-1992

Developed of core curriculum for engineering training including Computer Training, FMEA training, Design for Manufacturing, Project Management and others.

Developed and co-authored three major training programs for live classroom delivery using Instructional Systems Design Certificate for Ford (Project Management, FMEAs and Hazardous Materials Safety training programs). Developed both Instructors guides and Participant Materials for pilots and programs.

REFERENCES available on request.

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