Program Manager (New Launch)

Description

Summary:
Under the guidance of the department leadership, this role is responsible for executing program launch strategies and tactical plans at the Astemo Berea Plant. The position collaborates with the leadership team to establish priorities and objectives and ensures their effective implementation. This role acts as a strategic partner across the organization. This role exercises independent judgment regularly while operating within established guidelines.

Essential Functions:
* Program Leadership: Lead and manage all phases of the new product launch from concept through production ramp-up.
* Cross-functional Coordination: Collaborate with engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure alignment and timely execution of project milestones.
* Timeline Management: Develop and maintain detailed program timelines, identifying critical path activities and mitigating risks to ensure on-time launch.
* Change Management: Coordinate engineering changes on existing product to ensure timely and effective changes to the process and product to meet customer model change requirements
* Budget & Resource Planning: Monitor project budgets and allocate resources appropriately to meet program goals.
* Production Readiness: Oversee readiness reviews, including PPAP, run-at-rate, and equipment qualification activities.
* Customer Interface: Serve as the primary customer contact for launch-related activities, ensuring alignment on specifications, deliverables, and expectations.
* Problem Solving: Quickly identify and resolve launch issues, utilizing root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
* Reporting: Provide regular status updates to internal and external stakeholders, including executive-level summaries.
* Compliance: Ensure all launch activities adhere to industry standards, internal policies and KPI's, and regulatory requirements.

Knowledge, skills & abilities:
Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Possess ability to perform duties utilizing current company software applications (including, but not limited to: Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, and current ERP system). Excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal and written communication skills required. This position performs job duties in an ethical and professional manner.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field.

Experience:
* Minimum 3yrs prior relevant experience.
* Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and other automotive quality systems.
* Experience with electric vehicle (EV) components or advanced automotive technologies.
* Familiarity with OEM or Tier 1 supplier product development and launch processes.
* Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at Hitachi, please send the nature of request and contact information to jobs@hitachi-automotive.us. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.