Program Manager-Tier 1 Automotive

Role SummaryThe Program Manager manages all engineering related program tasks from design, development, validation testing, fabrication, process layout and culminating in production start, continuous improvement initiatives and service part requirements.
Key Responsibilities

• Effectively identifies potential issues within the program and develops robust and cost mitigating solutions. Able to clearly communicate to management as required.
• Always involves a cross functional team to ensure all facets of the program are assessed for feasibility and cost with each change
• Leads personnel dedicated to the project.
• Addresses resource gaps to leadership to ensure success of the program
• Able to work under pressure and in stressful conditions from time to time.
• Knows how to lead a team to execute.
• Takes ownership of program requirements and drives accountability in completion of tasks on time as per timeline. When timelines are at risk, takes necessary action to correct.
• Establishes, administers and implements program budgets with commercial team
• Develops and governs program timing schedules and milestones for development, prototype and production (CPMP)
• Discusses and provides regular updates of project status to management (CPMP)
• Understands and ensures adherences to customer contract requirements; develops necessary response when customer requirements put program at risk.
• Lead APQP meetings, driving accountability
• Oversees program related engineering change activity with a focus on adherence to established processes, timely change implementation and cost control
• Identifies, plans for and implements cost reduction and/ or quality improvement initiatives based on product, productivity and/ or process improvements throughout the project life time
• Knows and understands process documentation and customer specific requirements as they relate to the program
• Supports and coordinates with Department Leaders in preparation of RFQs and proposals, statement of work and specifications and execution of contract requirements
• Maintains strong working relationships with, and takes a consultative role in key program executing functions of (a) Manufacturing, (b) Quality Assurance and (c) Materials in support of customer expectations
• Involved in business development process including new and replacement business.
• Provides feedback to functional area leader in support of annual performance review
• Liaises with external and internal customers
• Follows and complies with all Operational Procedures and Policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook, Quality and Environment programs (ie. TS16949, ISO14001)
• Adheres to company core values; integrity, respect, trust, honesty, fairness and loyalty
• Performs other duties as required

Key Qualifications/Requirements• Five (5) years related experience in the automotive industry
• Two (2) years project management experience
• Engineering or Business degree/diploma
• Good interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced working environment
• Flexibility to travel in Ontario and abroad
• Fundamental computer skills using Microsoft Office suite (including MS Project)
• Strong organizational and Leadership skills
• Ability to uphold confidentiality
• Demonstrates the ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to work overtime to meet customer needs
• Demonstrate the ability to understand and manage projects (APQP)