Apqp Program Manager Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary: The Site Manager in Training (MIT) is a direct-entry management development role at Team Quality Services. This is not a traditional entry-level position. It is a structured training program designed to produce fully autonomous TQS Site Managers. The MIT begins the program training in the role of a Field Quality Associate (FQA) and, over the course of the program, progressively learns and takes on Site Manager responsibilities through shadowing and supporting the Site Manager at live TQS service locations, rotating across the network under the mentorship of an assigned Regional Manager. Upon successful completion of the program, the MIT is designated as a qualified Site Manager. They become eligible for assignment to a permanent TQS service location based on business needs and the availability of an open Site Manager position.

This is a probationary and training role for employees that have satisfied pre-requisites to become a Site Manager. While in the Site Manager in Training role, employees will be required to develop and demonstrate the necessary skills to become a Site Manager. This includes:

•  Attending, completing, and participating in assigned training sessions to develop leadership and management skills necessary for the Site Manager role.
•  Meeting key performance checkpoints throughout the training journey, which may include written assessments and practical skills application evaluations.
•  Demonstrating competence, proficiency, and effectiveness in completing the Essential Duties & Responsibilities duties listed below.

Employees in this role must keep current with all training requirements and meet all performance milestones to remain in this role and in the training program.

About the MIT Program:

The MIT program is a field-based development track that typically lasts 12 months. MITs are not office-based they are deployed to live TQS service locations across North America from the start of the program. The work is real, the accountability is real, and the career path is direct. 

Successful completion of the program results in designation as a Site Manager and eligibility for assignment to a permanent TQS service location. Assignment timing and location are based on business needs and the availability of an open Site Manager position.

What to expect: MITs will travel frequently and may spend multiple consecutive weeks at service locations throughout the program, work across multiple states, and be embedded in active manufacturing environments from day one. The MIT program is not designed for someone who wants a desk and a defined territory. It is designed for someone who wants to own something within a year.

Work Location & Mobility Expectations

•  The MIT role is a field-based training position. This role requires extensive travel and temporary assignment to multiple TQS service locations throughout the program. 
•  This is a field-based training role and the majority of time will be spent training at assigned service locations, which may require frequent travel. 
•  Upon program completion, Site Managers are expected to relocate to the assigned permanent service location as determined by the Company, based on business needs and the availability of an open Site Manager position. 
•  Geographic flexibility is a requirement of this role.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

•  Interview, onboard, discipline, mentor, train, and manage workload for all team members at the assigned location(s), including direct reports, indirect reports, and independent contractors.
•  Monitor performance and metrics of assigned team members and develop and implement improvement plans for underperforming teams or team members.
•  Develop growth strategies and plans to increase the Companys presence at the assigned location(s).
•  Execute the Companys operating system, rhythm, and cadences at the assigned location(s) (e.g., weekly Level 10 meetings).
•  Enforce all Company policies, procedures, and expectations at the assigned location(s).
•  Operates independently and autonomously, requiring minimal supervision.
•  Understand and leverage quality management systems and tools, including ISO, TS 16949, and AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA).
•  Develop and maintain strong relationships with supplier and service location personnel, serving as the main point of contact for quality-related matters.
•  Conduct regular audits and assessments of supplier parts at the service location to ensure compliance with quality standards, specification, and material flow.
•  Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish and implement supplier quality performance objectives.
•  Recommend initiatives, including process improvements and corrective action plans, to drive product quality, reliability, and cost reductions.
•  Rapidly identify, isolate, communicate and resolve quality issues.
•  Conduct root cause analysis of customer quality issues.
•  Understand service location processes and its effect on customers parts.
•  Provide technical support and guidance to customers and service location staff, assisting them in resolving quality-related challenges and implementing best practices.
•  Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements in manufacturing and quality assurance.
•  Communicate effectively with customer and service location team members, including engineering, quality, logistics, procurement, and production teams, to ensure alignment on quality objectives and expectations.
•  Identify leads and generate new business opportunities for the Company.
•  Document and update notes, audits, issues, contacts, parts, and supplier information in software systems.
•  Promote proper work ethic and demonstrate the Companys Core Values, policies, procedures and best practices.
•  Comply with all customer and service location requirements, including, but not limited to, health/safety training and vaccination status. 
•  Demonstrate proficiency using technology, including, but not limited to, smart phones, tablets, computers, mobile applications, web-based software, typing, data entry, spreadsheets, and the use of video conferencing systems.
•  Demonstrate the ability to use written and verbal communication skills to deal effectively with diverse groups of people, including proficiency in using a telephone/cellphone.
•  Demonstrate the ability to maintain a close working relationship with Company team members, customers, service locations, and the general public for the purpose of explanation, interpretation, technical assistance, and non-routine problem-solving.
•  Demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and implement effective solutions.
•  Demonstrate outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels, inside and outside the Company.
•  Demonstrate solid project and time management capabilities, including the ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
•  Travel to Company facilities, customer locations, or alternate service locations as assigned. Must be able to drive on behalf of the Company and/or customers if required.
•  Occasional participation in events outside of regular hours may be necessary, which may include meetings, training sessions, and team building events.
•  Maintains flexibility to work additional hours as needed during busy periods or to meet deadlines.
•  Ability to adapt to changing work demands and schedules, including occasional mandatory overtime. Mandatory overtime may be required, with compensation provided in accordance with Company policies and local labor laws.
•  Requires minimal supervision. 
•  Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

•  Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time (2/3 or more of the workday), and perform tasks that require bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
•  Ability to work with and around others for extended periods of time (2/3 or more of the workday).
•  Ability to frequently lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, in compliance with OSHA guidelines.
•  Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate smartphones, keyboards, hand tools, and measurement devices.
•  Keen eyesight to read small print/text/figures and to identify quality defects (including in low-light situations).
•  Comfortable working in environments with varying temperatures and noise levels.
•  Employment for this position is contingent on the individual obtaining and maintaining all Company, customer, and service location requirements (including vaccination status), which may be subject to change at any time.

Education, Experience, Qualifications:

Required

Candidates must meet one of the following:

•  Bachelors degree in engineering, Business (Operations/Supply Chain), or related field

OR 

•  Skilled trades certification (CQT, CQE, or equivalent) with a minimum of 3 years of direct experience in manufacturing or automotive quality

OR 

•  Quality or automotive professional (Quality Manager, Quality Engineer, Program Manager, or similar) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; formal degree not required 

In addition, all candidates must have:

•  High school diploma or GED 
•  Valid drivers license 
•  Must be and remain eligible to be issued a passport for any required international travel or training 

Preferred

• 02 years of experience; manufacturing or automotive co-op or internship preferred

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The statements listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual filling this position and is subject to change. This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their typical responsibilities from time to time, as assigned by management. The Company reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description as appropriate in its business judgment. This job description itself is not a contract of employment, implied or otherwise.

Compensation details: 65000-65000 Yearly Salary

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