Freelance Automotive Program Manager Jobs in Tennessee

DESCRIPTION: Oversee and manage all aspects of automotive interior trim programs from RFQ through production manufacturing launch. Provide leadership, motivate teams and interface with all levels of internal and external stakeholders on all aspects of planning, scheduling, organizing, cost adherence and overall control of the program.                                                                   

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a program plan that meets the customer requirements and internal Kasai requirements that results in a successful program launch on time and under budget.
• Utilize the program timeline to clearly communicate deliverables and due dates to all stakeholders.
• Manage to a gate process and seek appropriate signoff documentation at each event.
• Act as a central communication point for the team to ensure that each team member is aware of his or her deliverables and timing commitments at all times.
• Manages the team to meet cost, timing, manufacturing, quality targets.
• Manages by creating and maintaining open issues documentation and clearly communicate the impact of scope changes to all stakeholders with regard to cost, timing, quality improvements and risk management.
• Coordinate weekly PMT meetings with all functional leaders relative to the program. (Including but not limited to: Design, Purchasing, Engineering, Plant Management, Supply Chain Management and Quality Management).
• Conduct periodic Sr. Management reviews to confirm adherence to program deliverables and master schedule.
• Negotiate and resolve all customer/supplier/internal issues affecting program schedules, cost and requirements.
• Support RFQ process and coordinate Make vs. Buy process.
• Represent Management in OEM New Model Reviews.
• Attend and lead tooling buy-off activities for new injection molds/equipment/capx as well as supplier equipment.
• Support KNA facilities for tool/capx/part trials or other process improvement activities.
• Analyze product delivery or supply chain processes to identify cost savings and or recommend changes.
• Manage activities including invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracking
• Attend and coordinate run-at-rate events with customer internal and suppliers.
• Oversee material trial orders and trial shipments to customer.
• Lead APQP teams and provide ongoing status updates to upper management.
• Responsible for the completion of OEM customer required documentation until project launch.
• Manages cost targets throughout trials and launch with production, purchasing and cost control departments.
• Must work in a safe manner in compliance with KNA policies and maintain an awareness of danger to themselves and others.
• Monitor and track KPI targets for project.
• Follow established work practices that support compliance with all company policies, safety standards, 5S practices, regulatory and/or customer requirements.
• Authorities for an employee are granted by means of work instructions, policies, and procedures and/or direction provided by management to meet the requirements of the customer.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Business related discipline OR 5 years of Automotive experience in Engineering/Program Management

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in program management/engineering management of major OEM programs or combination of school/PMP certificates and program management experience.

Skills:

• Experience working with Windows operating system as well as Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Microsoft project experience.
• SAP/PLM/PLEX software experience.

Other:     

Work Environment This job operates in an office and manufacturing environment, and routinely uses standard office equipment. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud.

Physical Demands

The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee may also be required to work in hot temperatures.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are exclusive standards of the position. 

Incumbents will follow any other instruction, and perform any other related duties, as may be required by their supervisor.