Sr. Manager, Program Management

Yazaki is a global leader in the research, development and delivery of vehicle power and data solutions.

 

Yazaki works with virtually every major auto manufacturer in the world, and we've strived to maintain strategic and stable growth throughout our 83-year history. Today, we're on the lookout for energetic people with the potential to perform, as well as the ability to strengthen - and thrive in - the positive work environment we pride ourselves on.

Location: Canton, MI, USA  

 

 

What we are looking for:

 

Yazaki is looking for Sr. Manager, Program Management to join our GM Business Unit in Canton, Michigan.  The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a collaborative and action-driven environment making lasting impacts on the organization. 

 

Under direction of the Customer Executive of the responsible department, the Sr. Manager Program Management (VPM- Vehicle Platform Manager) has total responsibility and accountability for meeting established program targets. The VPM is responsible for successful completion of program objectives and for proposing strategic direction for program teams; typically responsible for multiple product lines. The position entails interface at a management level with customers, manufacturing, and functional groups in business unit and across Yazaki North & Central America. 

 

What you will be doing:

 

Leadership

• Ensure that group structure and staffing levels are in line with business requirements
• Hire and work with group to improve their skills and competencies, using feedback, coaching, motivation, and mentoring techniques
• Provide short-term tactical and mid-to-long range strategic leadership to group, including assessing department related risks & opportunities and making recommendations to management (e.g., new technology, industry innovations, or strategies)
• Implement associate development tools, including objective setting and the performance review process
• Ensure training needs are identified and met with priority given to development and understanding of Yazaki manufacturing and inspection processes
• Ensure the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of effective, efficient, and common processes, procedures, and methodologies
• Ensure data is collected, analyzed and corrective actions implemented for group metrics
• Provide regular communication to the group on administrative issues and policies
• Assist HR with resolution of compliance, safety, integrity concerns, or grievances within group
• Support long-range and short-term group forecasts, goals, objectives, and priorities
• Prepare and maintain updated job descriptions ensuring functions are aligned with processes and procedures
• Resolve customer and internal issues to facilitate implementation of group objectives and achieve customer satisfaction
• Develop and manage group budget to reach or exceed its objectives and overall BU profitability

 

Program Management

• Program Budgets.  Coordinate, lead and perform initial approval of the STF/LTF program and platform budgets (final approval by executive management).  Manage financial health based on approved STF/LTF.  Responsible for the platform financial health and overall P&L including extraordinary expense management (obsolescence, rework, airfreight, inventory, and investment) and mitigating risks and trade-off decisions associated with each.  Oversee actions for customer reimbursement for all applicable program related costs.
• Value Management. Oversee Value Management process to improve program profitability.
• Launch Readiness / Process Sign Off (PSO). Ensure all tasks are performed for launch readiness and PSO. Coordinate all specific customer visits to the manufacturing facilities. Assist in supplying requirements to Manufacturing and approving all resolutions to the follow-up issues that are presented to the customer. 
• Customer Contact.  Responsible for the overall customer relationship pertaining to the specific program. This may require regular customer reviews on satisfaction levels or program metrics. It may require leading or coordinating critical customer issues.
• Program Scope. Review program scope changes that impact budget/STF with Customer Executive.
• Scheduling and Tracking. Review and approve timing created by Program Managers. Support the Program Manager to ensure successful delivery of the program. Prepare regular reports for presentation to executive management that address program status.
• Risk Assessment. Review and approve risk assessments with the Program Manager. Monitor risk prevention and risk mitigation actions.  Assess new programs, and new program opportunities, and make re