Programs Manager Jobs in Kokomo, IN (NOW HIRING)

About the job 

Manages the development, implementation, and coordination of product assurance programs to prevent or eliminate defects in new or existing products. Plans, coordinates and directs the quality assurance department to ensure production of products consistent with established standards by performing the following duties personally or through subordinate managers, supervisors and engineers. 

You will lead quality assurance and quality control activities related to metal automotive components/parts, stamping, metal heat treatment and finishing processes, and industrial coatings. This role ensures product integrity, compliance with automotive OEM and Tier 1 standards, and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate has a strong metallurgy background and hands-on expertise. 

Roles and responsibilities 

• Analyzes, evaluates, and presents information concerning factors such as business situations, production capabilities, manufacturing problems, economic trends, and design and development of new products for consideration by other members of management. 

• Suggests and debates alternative methods and procedures in the evaluation and solving of problems. 

• Collaborates and works with other management personnel in formulating and establishing company policies, operating procedures and goals. 

• Participating, coordinating and implementing global initiatives related to harmonization of quality KPI's, COPQ, Continuous Improvement program, ARaymond incident management system, CSR corporate social responsibility, safety, etc. 

• Collaborates with initial and subsequent modifications of the product assurance program to delineate areas of responsibility, personnel requirements, and operational procedures within the IATF 16949 quality system.  

• Reviews technical problems and procedures of departments and recommends solutions to problems or changes in procedures. 

• Evaluates contents of reports from quality department and confers with other top management personnel preparatory to formulate fiscal budget for quality department.  

• Work with management and quality engineers and supervisors on quality planning (both short and long term) supporting diagnosis of quality related problems (both internal and external), corrective and preventive action programs and continuous improvement programs. 

• Identify non-conformance trends and develop and administer technical investigation and corrective action programs to resolve recurring quality problems and to improve vendor quality. 

• Assist in customer communication, including documenting and follow up on concerns.   

• Prepare graphs or charts for data analysis and presentation. 

• Supports program management processes of new product launches and the overall APQP process.  

• Visits and confers with representatives of material and component suppliers to obtain information related to supply quality, capacity of supplier to meet orders and supplier quality standards. 

• Confers with quality and other engineers about the quality of new product designed and manufactured products to rectify problems.  

• Reviews technical publications, articles and abstracts to stay abreast of technical developments in the industry. 

• Assists in the management of the internal and external corrective action process for the resolution of quality related issues. 

• Assists in the selection and acquisition of capital equipment/tooling as required to support the facilities. 

• Ensure the appropriate staffing and training of quality personnel within the facilities. 

Education and experience 

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university; or four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• M.S. in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or Materials Engineering required. 
• 5+ years of experience in management of quality department and staff 
• Experience with customer portals and CSR (Customer Specific Requirements - Supplier Manuals): FORD, GM, Stellantis, Rivian, and different TIER 1's. 
• ASQ CQE certification in one or more areas (CQE, CMI, CQM, CRE, etc.) would be helpful. 
• Experience preparing, leading, and implementing corrective actions relating to IATF 16949 internal procedures, internal and external audits.   
• AIAG Special requirements CQI: CQI-9, CQI-11, CQI-12, etc. 
• Lead Auditor ISO 9001:2015 with AIAG IATF 16949:2016 (preferred). 
• Proficiency in quality tools: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, GD&T, SPC, Lean Six Sigma.  
• Experience managing customer audits and supplier quality programs including sustainability. 
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Skills 

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community and to write reports, and business correspondence, and effectively present information to top management and public groups.  Respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public. 

Key Competencies 

• Technical depth in metallurgy and coatings science  

• Root-cause analysis and structured problem-solving  

• Strong cross-functional communication  

• Leadership in fast-paced manufacturing environments  

• Data-driven decision making  

• Customer-focused quality mindset 

Reporting to this Position 

• Logansport Quality team members. 

 Physical Demands 

• Frequent sitting, walking, standing. 

• Use of computer with repetitive mouse use, keyboarding and visual demands. 

• Must be able to work in the office for collaborative purposes. 

• Occasional Business Travel by air or car. 

• International and Domestic Travel up to 10% 

Measure of Performance 

• Accuracy and integrity of work. 

• Ability to continually develop skills and adapt to new technologies and techniques. 

• Annual Appraisal of Core Skills/Competencies 

• Practices Transparency, Integrity and Credibility. 

• Technical/Functional Job Performance. 

• Collaborative. 

• Customer and Quality Focus. 

• Innovative. 

• Initiative. 

• Learning and Development. 

• Attendance record. 

• Timely Completion of assigned tasks and annual goals. 

Health & Safety 

As amanager,you play a crucial role in fostering a safe and healthy workplace. Your assignments in Health 

& Safety includes, but are not limited to: 

• Complying withall company health and safety guidelines and procedures, while actively guiding and supporting your team members on these subjects. 

• Participating in all required health and safetytrainingsto stay informed about best practices and regulatory requirements. 

• Engaging and ensuring your team's participation in health & safety trainings and initiatives. 

• Leading health & safety by example.