Operations Program Manager Jobs in Augusta, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Unless specifically stated otherwise, this role is On-Site at the location detailed in the job post.
Clearance Level - Must Be Able to Obtain
None
U.S. Person Required
Yes
Travel Percentage
25%
Clearance Level - Must Currently Possess
None
U.S. Citizenship Required
No
Is Relocation Available
Yes
Job Description
Position Summary:
The Lead Operational Program Manager (OPM) serves as the primary strategic and tactical liaison between Program Management and the manufacturing shop floor (specifically Weld and Machine operations) in Aiken, SC. In addition to driving the translation of program requirements into executable manufacturing plans. The Lead OPM is responsible for the management, mentorship, and professional development of a team of OPMs. The Lead OPM is a driver of delivery and a leader of people, responsible for optimizing the flow of products to the assembly line while scaling the capabilities of the OPM function. The OPM is not a reporter of status, but a driver of delivery, responsible for removing roadblocks and optimizing the flow of products to the assembly line.
Key Responsibilities
1. People Leadership & Team Development
Direct Supervision: Provide direct management for two OPMs, including conducting performance reviews, setting clear KPIs, and managing daily workloads.
Mentorship & Coaching: Act as a mentor to junior OPMs, coaching them on P&S processes, stakeholder management, and the solution-first approach to problem-solving.
Resource Allocation: Balance task distribution and portfolio assignments across the OPM team to ensure optimal coverage and prevent burnout.
Talent Pipeline: Identify skill gaps within the team and develop training plans to increase the technical and leadership proficiency of direct reports.
2. Program Integration & Liaison
Strategic Alignment: Act as the primary point of contact between Program Managers and the Weld/Machine operations teams to ensure alignment on delivery schedules and technical requirements of your program as well as overseeing the OPM team deliverables and requirements
Executive Analysis: Lead and participate in Tier calls and Value Stream reviews, providing high-level critical analysis, early warning of systemic risks, and actionable mitigation options for the portfolio.
Relationship Management: Build and maintain strategic relationships with program counterparts at internal customer sites, ensuring a deep understanding of end-customer needs and delivery pressures.
3. Pre-Production & Strategic Planning
Bids & Proposals: Direct the operational input for bids and proposals for the Aiken, SC site. Supervise and validate all operational inputs provided by the OPM team to ensure that manufacturing capabilities, lead times, and costs are accurately represented and consistent across all program estimates.
Make-or-Buy Strategy: Lead Make vs. Buy decision-making processes. Oversee the analysis performed by the OPM team, evaluating internal capacity and technical capability against external sourcing options to optimize cost and risk.
4. Operational Execution & Risk Management
Portfolio Risk Mitigation: Establish a standardized process for monitoring material and component flow to identify potential shortages across all programs before they impact the line.
Shortage & Surplus Mitigation: Proactively monitor material and component flow by partnering with the Planning and Materials team, to identify potential shortages before they impact the line. Manage surplus inventory to optimize shop floor space and cost, by aligning the production schedule strictly with the assembly line's the rate of customer demand (Takt time). If a build-up of finished parts that aren't scheduled for assembly for several weeks, provide guidance to the shop & materials team to pivot to a different priority.
Priority Management: When conflicts arise between programs, develop and propose prioritization plans based on vehicle delivery dates and critical path analysis.
Delivery Ownership: Own the last mile of delivery, ensuring that products from Weld and Machine operations are delivered to the assembly line on time and in the correct sequence.
5. Quality & Continuous Improvement
Quality Governance: Participation in quality reviews and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) processes, ensuring that mitigation plans are implemented and sustained.
Continuous Improvement (CI): Identify operational inefficiencies within the weld and machine functions. Lead or participate with OPM team in Lean/Six Sigma initiatives to reduce waste, improve throughput, and enhance first-pass yield.
Performance Success Metrics
On-Time Delivery (OTD): Percentage of program products delivered to the assembly line according to the schedule as well as achievement of OTD metrics of direct reports
Risk Lead Time: Ability to identify and flag delivery or quality risks X days/weeks before they impact the assembly line.
First Pass Yield: Reduction in rework and quality escapes within the assigned weld and machine functions.
Stakeholder Satisfaction: Feedback from Program Managers and Shop Floor Leads regarding communication clarity and proactive problem-solving as well as the effectiveness and proactivity of the OPM team.