Program Manager Management
Resume:
KARLUS SMITH
Franklin, Michigan 48025
******.*****@*****.***
Profile
Corporate Program Manager with extensive and diverse experience in the automotive industry. Demonstrated ability to deliver quality improvements, on time launches and cost savings. An accomplished leader with an exemplary record of managing Engineering teams through Process Quality Optimization and Advanced Forward-Model Virtual Manufacturing Engineering analysis.
Areas of Expertise
Implementation / Program Management Development and Executed Quality Operating Systems
PLM / PPAP /APQP, Processes & DFSS Implemented and Developed TQM-Six Sigma Process Control & WCM Standards
High level Engineering and Mechanical Expertise Management and Supervisory Skills
Extensive Knowledge of Production and Assembly Union Negotiations and Management
ASME, TS-16949 and ISO 19001, 26262 Standards Creative Problem Solving
Knowledge of Launching Techniques Customer / Vendor Relationship Building
Professional Experience
2019 to Present – Martinrea Corporation – Auburn Hills, Michigan
Corporate Senior Program Manager
Provide oversight to the facility in the program manager and APQP process. Review and refine all project goals, project feasibility studies for designs and achieve key milestone dates. Documentation of project management checklists and approvals per the program manager system are accurate and timely. Work prototypes, new projects, pilots, engineering changes and miscellaneous orders are issued. Working as the leading program manager for electrical and autonomous vehicles associated with concept to development. Responsible for performance feedback and leadership of all direct reports including mentoring, coaching, counseling and corrective action when situations dictate. Assess and build leadership bench-strength and organizational capabilities as well as creating a collaborative high performance work environment. Interfaces with all internal departments working on the project to ensure that all departments are meeting program timelines. Act as a liaison between Martinrea and all of the OEM’s on product design, quality and related issues. Prepare program reports identifying problems and track program milestones and shortfalls. Ensure corrective action plans are effective in resolving issues. Visit plants for major milestone events to insure leadership and support for the program teams. Initiate and maintain all detailed program timelines and open issue lists in proper format that supported requirements. Such as tooling, materials, purchasing, machines, vehicle testing and communication with the OEM.
2017 to 2019 – Tower International Corporation- Livonia, Michigan
Sr. Global Program Manager
Provide key input into the development of departmental strategic goals along with identifying key measurable to support the departmental goals. Responsible for performance feedback and leadership of all direct reports including mentoring, coaching, counseling and corrective action when situations dictate. Assess and build leadership bench-strength and organizational capabilities as well as creating a collaborative high performance work environment. Interfaces with all internal departments working on the project to ensure that all departments are meeting program timelines.
Responsible for managing all program activities, establishing priorities, and developing systems and processes for achieving team goals related to safety, cost, quality and productivity. Ensure product and process compliance to customer and TS 16949 requirements. Develops customer relationships to secure future business. Provide support to Program Managers with customer meetings. Ensure programs are managed using Matrix One/Campfire system. Ensure that program team members are following all aspects of APQP. Responsible for developing and presenting the capital expenditure request (CER) for new programs and managing the approved budget. Ensure that all programs are at or under budgeted CER spending for capital and tooling. Initiate, facilitate and participate in cross-functional teams in pursuit of problem solving and root cause analysis. Support plant activities towards achieving customer awards and Quality registration (ex. TS 16949, ISO 14001, etc.) Assist with plant activities to achieve quality, productivity and cost reduction goals. Responsible for ensuring the entire team has the necessary tools and materials to properly perform their roles safely and efficiently. Comply and oversee compliance with all internal and OSHA required safety procedures in the performance of daily activities and hold all direct reports accountable for enforcement. Maintain a positive working relationship with all levels of the organization. Interfaces on a frequent basis with customers, suppliers, purchasing, finance, quality, materials, engineering and the plant leadership
2014 to 2017– Takata Corporation- Auburn Hills, Michigan
Corporate Global Program Manager (Project Manager)
Represent Takata at root cause procurement meetings, build events and other means of communication. Plan and develop methods and procedures for implementing new program launches for Functional Safety System. Direct and coordinate all program activities from the DV stages to the final production stages. Exercise and coordinate all personnel responsible for specific functions or phases of the program. Supervised the preparation and conditions of the contract and subcontracts, list of approved suppliers and subcontractors dealing with the Passenger and Driver airbags. Review reports and record activities to ensure progression is being accomplished toward specified program objectives and modify or change methodology as required by NHTSA. Meet with NHTSA and the OEMs and appropriate plant personnel to review status of program activities with full program layout and revision levels. Act as a liaison between Takata divisions and all of the OEM’s on product design, quality and related issues. Prepare program reports identifying problems and track program milestones and shortfalls. Ensure corrective action plans are effective in resolving issues. Visit plants for major milestone events to insure leadership and support for the program teams. Initiate and maintain all detailed program timelines and open issue lists in proper format that supported requirements. Such as tooling, materials, purchasing, machines, vehicle testing and communication with NHTSA. Maintain close liaison between the procurement managers, NHTSA, the OEMs on all project Procurement and development activities. Manage Project Budget, LQOS, GPDS Milestones, and Design Reviews.
2011 to 2014 - Chrysler Corp. - Technical Center – Auburn Hills, Michigan
New Model Launch Manager / Program Manager /Launch Tooling Supervisor
Supervised and launched new tooling and processes for manufacturing. Also, launched the engineering processes and changes for production and assembly. Supervised salaried bargaining unit tooling engineers and hourly worker’s union. Supervised the tooling engineers in developing process, tooling for trim, chassis and final operations. Responsible for the launch of new tooling for the vehicle headliners, glass cell with welding changes and process, side trim and dashboard tooling for assembly. Supervised from the design concept through to the development of the final product. Manage complex projects from the beginning to the end, and meet project budget, planning, prototype, new machining timing targets, analysis, and drive root causes. Utilize tools such as fishbone diagram, 5 whys, FMEAS, and Red X. Manage and drive design, work with all of the out-side vendors to drive time lines, costs and ownership of there product. Empowering a solid team atmosphere and making direct reports to take ownership of process.
2005 to 2010 - General Motors Corp. - Willow Run Plant—Ypsilanti, Michigan
Business Team Manager/Operation Manager (New and Major Projects)
Utilize and facilitate the team concept in every department of Assembly, Sub assembly and Automatics. Serves as a department liaison - coordinating projects and communicating design changes with product engineering, manufacturing, procurement, programming and varies personnel areas as well. Manage 7 teams totaling of 78 people with team members, supervisors and engineers. Serves as a liaison communicating with vendors, PC&L, suppliers and shop floor personnel. Also, lead teams to build the 4L80 transmission for the military contract going into the Hummer for the United States Army. Developing, planning, and managing energy projects for the assembly area along with water and oil consumption for the final test area. Plain and provide project submission for maintenance. Coordinated with other managers on energy and water consumption on down time and plant closers.
2002 to 2005 – General Motors Corp - Romulus Transmission (RTO) Romulus, Michigan
Area Coordinator /Operation Supervisor/Production Supervisor
Responsible for managing the overall assembly and final assembly area for the R.T.O plant. Utilize and facilitate the team concept in every assembly department within the RTO facility. Develop policies and procedures and processes to implement for the site assembly area. Responsible for the overall safety - training, house keeping projects for the plant. Also, responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of continues process and improvements. Provide leadership and implementation of G.M.S and S.P.Q.R.C in each of the assembly areas. Management responsibilities included budgeting in each area, providing hands on leadership, coaching and mentoring while complying with terms of both the local and national agreements. Work in conjunction with the local union to ensure maintenance requirements for the engineers.
1999 to 2002 – General Motors Corp- Toledo Transmission – Toledo, Ohio
Maintenance Supervisor / Die Casting Supervisor (Plant II)/General Foreman
Responsible for supervising and coordination the activities of both the maintenance and tool and die makers for the plant II area. Assigned skilled tradesmen and die tradesmen to respond to daily production and breakdown incidents. Provide a safe working environment and enforced safety procedures. Participated in the implementation of the equipment, PM’s, equipment relocations and installation of both high and low pressure die-casting machines and trim press. Served as a management representative and coordinated with the local union on resolving grievances as well as negotiated all open issues related to the skill tradesmen. Maintained excellent working knowledge of QS9000 and procedures and die casting machines. Perform and provide mechanical and electrical engineering design services for local site projects and develops project programming documents, Engineering Project justification submission documents, and review Installation Engineering Projects.
1997 to 1999 – General Motors Corp. – Toledo Transmission – Toledo, Ohio
Assembly Maintenance and Facilities Supervisor
Supervised and coordinated the activities of the assembly area, maintained and coordinated any maintenance issues dealing with assembly. Ensured the utilization of trades and equipment by executing planned maintenance and a comprehensive scheduling environment. Which would allow the departments to obtain maximum output. Established and adjusted work methods and procedures to meet a maintenance and production goal. Participated in the establishment of MAXIMO in the assembly area. Perform design review on all construction and renovation projects for validation of compliance with local Energy and Water Management statutes, requiring implementation of cost effective options for the plant.
1994 to 1999 - General Motors Corp. - Toledo Transmission – Toledo, Ohio
Production Supervisor / General Foreman
Managed the assembly area and supervised approximately 100 assembly line workers. Supervised three assembly lines including final assembly. Served as the general foremen’s replacement on an interim basis in assembly. Managed the relationship between several departments that function with the assembly area. Work in conjunction with a team on the creation of lean manufacturing for assembly. Participated and developed COCM for assembly.
1992 to 1994 – General Motors Corp. - American gear and Axle- Huntsville, Alabama
Co-op Student to full time Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer for the front gear and car alignment in the assembly area. Carried out engineering assignments related to the planning and design of the mechanical and environmental control systems related to assembly. Responsible for monitoring production down time, operation installations, maintenance, test and repair of mechanical and electro- mechanical equipment. Also, managed design changes, standards and heat transfers.
1990 to 1994 – Boeing Aerospace and Defense – Huntsville, Alabama
Co-op Student to full time Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineer for the space- station freedoms engine, capsule design and mechanical functions. Responsible for all mockups and design for out side vendors, new specification creations and experimental projects. Managed a group of four mock up engineers on the project design changes. Also, was involved with the buoyancy projects with the astronauts that would be installing the space capsule project on the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.
Education
1992- Alabama A&M University- Normal, Alabama
Bachelors of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering Minor – Physics
Affiliations
Member of Pentecostal Church of Christ in Detroit, Michigan Member of CAAN
Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Big Brother Big Sister of Michigan
Member of NSBE AAM Mentoring Program
Member of ASME Member of GMAAN
References Available
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