Results-Driven Program & Supply Chain Leader

USHA BALLA Supply Chain/Program Management Director

Troy, MI 48098 248-***-**** *********.*****@*****.*** https://www.linkedin.com/in/usha-balla-22098b204/ Results-driven program management leader with a proven record of delivering multi-million-dollar ICE and EV product launches generating $100M+ in revenue. Skilled in cross-functional leadership, supply chain management, continuous improvement, cost savings, and complex negotiations. Recognized for optimizing resources and building strong customer relationships. Holds a Master’s in Civil Engineering and a Six Sigma Black Belt, ready to excel as a Project Management Leader

CORE EXPERTISE

Program Management Cross-Functional Team Leadership Risk Assessment & Mitigation Budgeting & Financial Oversight Change Management Continuous Improvement Initiatives Six Sigma Methodology Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) Performance Metrics Analysis Agile and waterfall program management methods Strategic Negotiation New Technology Introduction (NTI) Strategy Development Supply Chain Management New Business Opportunities PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

VP -Sales and Program Management HA Industries Sterling Heights, MI 09/2024 -11/2025 Developed and executed a business diversification strategy that expanded the Tier 1 customer base from automotive into non- automotive markets, securing 30+ new customers and driving significant revenue growth through targeted marketing, customer engagement, and satisfaction initiatives. Implemented standardized gate processes and departmental KPIs to ensure consistent, successful launches of automation equipment.

• Develop and execute the company’s sales strategy aligned with corporate goals

• Set and monitor sales targets, forecasts, and performance metrics.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the PM team to achieve flawless launches and within project budget

• Identify new markets, opportunities, and strategic partnerships. Director, Program Management and Systems Engineering Inteva Products Troy, MI 09/2022 – 09/2024 Drove program success by conducting comprehensive risk assessments and implementing mitigation strategies during launch. Strengthened customer relationships through leadership in program execution. Optimized organizational efficiency by managing resource allocation for new business awards and consistently meeting or exceeding program budget and profitability targets. Played a critical role in executive-level Launch and Program Reviews, providing strategic insights and regular updates on PPAP timing, financial milestones, and gate deliverables.

• Act as the key decision-maker for system specifications and functional safety requirements, upholding product compliance and adherence to industry standards for Electronic products such as Door Control Units.

• Oversee resource leveling and allocation for new business awards, optimizing organizational productivity.

• Supervise program budgeting and profitability, ensuring financial targets are consistently met and exceeded across all programs.

• Play a pivotal role as a participant-member in Critical Launch and Program Reviews with the executive team, offering insightful updates and driving continuous improvement.

• Regularly report to the executive team on program management deliverables, including on-time PPAP, financial imperatives, and key gate deliverables, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

• Showcase strong leadership through coaching, mentoring, and developing cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.

• Participate in supply chain negotiations for supplier sourcing for new business awards and in cost saving proposals from suppliers.

USHA BALLA Professional Experience, continued Page 2 Senior Manager, Program Management and Systems Engineering Inteva Products Troy, MI 08/2015 – 09/2022 Steer the successful launch of an electric vehicle program for Lucid, generating an average annual revenue of $20 million and a lifetime revenue exceeding $60 million over 5 years. Expertly manage and lead a diverse team of 6, including 3 program managers and 3 system engineers, focusing on developing Door Control Modules, Latches, and Window Regulators for closure systems.

• Pioneered a continuous improvement initiative to transition the Product Development Process (PDP) to a web-based global system, fostering streamlined collaboration and information access across the organization.

• Delivered substantial annual cost savings of $1.26 million by introducing a strategic process to minimize obsolete inventory, ensuring efficient resource utilization.

• Negotiated and recovered $1.0 million from an OEM during the early end of production, demonstrating strong business acumen and exceptional communication abilities.

• Launched a Tesla program with a lifetime revenue surpassing $40 million over six years, tackling the challenge of introducing a novel product to the OEM market and solidifying the company's competitive edge.

• Established an electronics team in the closures group, North America Region, to support EV customers. Program Manager Guardian Industries Warren, MI 09/2007 – 08/2015 Oversaw product launches from inception to the end of production through a phased gate process for OEM platforms such as Chrysler 300 C, Jeep Wrangler (JK), Minivan (RS), Ford (F-150), Mustang (S550), Chevy Equinox, and Chevy Tahoe. Products included grilles, light bar appliques, wheel flares, and other exterior injection molded and painted or chrome-plated applications.

• Directed a $2 to $4 million tooling budget while handling customer prototype builds and purchase order issuance tasks.

• Coordinated technical review meetings with customers during pre-source meetings for new product launches, ensuring alignment with project objectives.

• Steered a global cross-functional team, leveraging "triple constraints" management initiatives to accomplish stated goals.

• Conducted and maintained cost analysis to safeguard profit margins and achieve Return on Investment (ROI) targets.

• Handled customer quotes for new product development and engineering changes on existing programs.

• Introduced a Business Process Improvement (BPI) initiative using Six Sigma to streamline launch timing from conception to production.

• Addressed a significant quality issue during launch through Six Sigma methodology, leading to a cost savings of approximately $1.5 million.

Supplier Development Engineer Guardian Industries Warren, MI 09/2000 – 09/2007 Steered strategic supplier management through regular performance reviews, in-depth capability assessments, and thorough quality evaluations. Orchestrated new process implementations at supplier sites during process changes, maintaining consistent product quality.

• Engaged in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) teams and sourcing council meetings throughout supply chain selection phases. Facilitated and organized cross-functional team meetings with global suppliers, driving action items to timely completion.

Quality Engineer Mexican Industries Detroit, MI 01/1998 – 09/2000 Led quality assurance for high-volume automotive production, ensuring compliance with customer and OEM standards. Improved product quality by reducing defects through root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and capability studies. Strengthened customer satisfaction by resolving issues using structured problem-solving tools. Supported APQP documentation and trained operators on inspection standards, improving process stability and overall production performance. USHA BALLA Professional Experience, continued Page 3 EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) West Virginia University Morgantown, WV 08/1995 – 12/1997 TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS

Kepner Tregoe Inteva Products Troy, MI 2019

Six Sigma, Black Belt Guardian Industries Warren, MI 2012

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