Executive Program Director Capital Projects & Operations
Resume:
Thomas Uttech
***********@*****.***
www.linkedin.com/in/Thomas-Uttech
Tampa, FL 33606
OVERVIEW
Transformational leader with 20+ years steering complex modernization and manufacturing initiatives valued at over $600M. Skilled at turning ambiguous challenges into executable plans that elevate production capability, reduce costs, and strengthen enterprise performance. Brings deep P&L ownership, disciplined program execution, and strong stakeholder leadership, consistently delivering results ahead of schedule and under budget. Recognized for building accountability, collaboration, and mission-ready organizations.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Project Leadership • Capital Program Management • Government Contracting • P&L Ownership • Global Manufacturing Operations • Earned Value Management • Operational Excellence • Risk Management • Cross Functional Leadership • Stakeholder Collaboration • Operational Excellence • Integrated Master Schedule • Continuous Improvement • Data Analytics EXPERIENCE
General Dynamics - Program Director – (Mar 2021 to Oct 2025)
• Delivered 25+ modernization programs on time by leading strategic planning, scheduling, budgeting, and full-cycle execution across capital equipment, facility construction, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Improved mission alignment and financial accuracy through rigorous cost-variance analysis and data driven recommendations.
• Optimized financial performance and reduced risk exposure by overseeing project spend plans, and implementing proactive budgets controls.
• Increased production capacity and operational efficiency by guiding cross-functional teams to complete mission-critical facility upgrades.
• Generated $375M in future modernization funding by developing comprehensive long-range modernization initiatives.
• Accelerated program delivery and strengthen stakeholder trust by collaborating with government leadership through transparent communication and good-faith negotiations. General Dynamics -
Senior Director, Vehicles Business Unit – (Sep 2019 to Mar 2021)
• Drove financial performance and strategic growth for a $100M annual revenue business unit by holding full profit and loss accountability.
• Ensured operational excellence across multiple locations by directing a geographically dispersed team of 32 employees.
• Maintained uninterrupted production and minimized operational risk by leading the seamless transition from a legacy ERP to the IFS management system.
• Reduced defects by 7% and improved operational efficiency by implementing KPI metrics and targeted process improvements.
• Sustained program continuity and team morale during organizational restructuring through proactive leadership and change management.
Tenneco - Senior Program Manager (Jun 2018 to Sep 2019)
• Delivered sustained operational efficiency and 100% on-time delivery while consolidating three manufacturing sites into a single expanded facility.
• Commissioned three new automated assembly lines on schedule and within approved capital budgets, integrating legacy production assets to expand capacity.
• Achieved run-at-rate readiness for multiple critical launches through integrated leadership of production planning, material flow, and workforce alignment.
• Stabilized execution and reduced delivery risk through disciplined master scheduling, change control, and proactive risk mitigation across cross-functional teams.
Adient – Senior Program Manager and Platform Director (Oct 2016- Jun 2018)
• Led Strategic Development Teams (SDTs) for Tier 1 Volkswagen and Daimler programs, strengthening customer relationships and cross-functional coordination.
• Increased platform profitability by 6% through implementation of continuous improvement roadmaps.
• Reduced RPPM and CPPM rates by 28% via quality-loop initiatives and proactive issue resolution.
• Managed a team of five Project Managers, enhancing quote accuracy and global sourcing collaboration.
• Organized early quote development teams to improve quote consistency and support increased growth with global product sourcing.
Johnson Controls, Inc. – Program Director and Launch Manager (Nov 2011 - Oct 2016)
• Successfully launched three new Greenfield sites in Beijing and 12 global programs for OEM customer.
• Developed and led the program management department supporting multiple locations, managing 16 project managers, coordinators, and trainers.
• Implemented quality-improvement programs that reduced rework by 13%, strengthening profitability and customer satisfaction.
Johnson Controls, Inc. – (1997-2011)
• Program Manager, Senior Launch Manager, Engineering Manager
• Delivered multiple OEM launches for Daimler, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Nissan across the U.S. and China
• Directed technical, engineering, and production readiness teams to meet launch objectives on time and within budget.
EDUCATION and TRAINING
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Technology Management University of Wisconsin-Platteville
• Johnson Controls Leadership Edge
• Kempner-Tregoe problem solving
• Johnson Controls Program and Launch Management University
Contact this candidate