Program Manager, Gen Proj/Prog Mgmt

Yazaki is a global leader in the research, development, and delivery of vehicle power and data solutions.

Yazaki works with virtually every major auto manufacturer globally, and we've strived to maintain strategic and stable growth throughout our 84-year history. Today, we're looking for energetic people with the potential to perform and the ability to strengthen - and thrive in - the positive work environment we pride ourselves on.

Location: Canton, MI, USA  

What we are looking for:

Yazaki North America, is looking for a Program Manager to join our Stellantis team in Canton, MI. The ideal candidate will be responsible for leading global, cross-functional program initiatives from concept through launch/completion. while ensuring alignment with organizational goals, customer requirements, and financial targets. This role oversees complex project portfolios, coordinates international teams, and ensures compliance with internal processes and external standards. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with experience managing budgets, timelines, stakeholder relationships, and operational excellence.

 What you will be doing:

Program Strategy & Execution

• • Develop and implement program strategies aligned with Stellantis BU Business plan.
  • Lead cross-functional program teams to ensure consistent execution and deliverables.
  • Manage scope, scheduling, and budget planning (short-term and long-term forecasts) for all program phases.
  • Coordinate and track engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and launch activities, customer, and PCD.

Project Oversight & Delivery

• • Oversee multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with Stellantis/Yazaki Mfg milestones. Support pilot build phases ~ Program launch and program maintenance.  Including GPMS phase deliverables FR/CFR/PRD).
  • Drive program success through collaboration with regional Program Managers, BU stakeholders, and executive leadership.
  • Ensure all tasks are compliant with the Global Program Management System (GPMS), including phase compliance and milestone reviews.

Stakeholder & Customer Management

• • Serve as the primary point of contact for critical customer issues, coordinating senior-level visits and program status updates.
  • Review and report KPI metrics regularly and engage in strategic negotiations to protect company interests.
  • Lead the communication and coordination of engineering change management and scope changes.

Financial Management

• • Support preparation and manage global program budgets, ensuring delivery within approved financial parameters.
  • Lead value management initiatives to support cost savings and improve program profitability.
  • Track cost metrics and lead costing, RFQ, and customer cost reduction efforts throughout the program lifecycle and/or cost reduction opportunities.

Risk, Quality & Compliance

• • Conduct program risk assessments, allocate mitigation actions, and oversee issue resolution processes.
  • Ensure compliance with quality gates, APQP documentation, PPAP, and internal controls.
  • Maintain documentation and reporting for audits, compliance investigations, and risk assessments.
  • Align with Quality for root cause analysis and corrective actions for global, multi-region issues.

Supplier & Manufacturing Coordination

• • Lead global supplier development, assessments, and performance tracking.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing and logistics teams to ensure readiness and seamless launch execution.
  • Coordinate procurement of prototype and production components to meet build schedules and deliverables.
  • Support the resolution of supplier quality issues and ensure readiness of purchased parts.

Team Leadership & Communication

• • Conduct regular program coordination meetings and manage open issues lists to ensure accountability.
  • Drive continual improvement through the use of various tools including but not limited to (GPMS/BEAMS/ARS/Web CN/e-supplier and other methodologies.

Governance & Change Management

• • Serve as project manager for compliance oversight and change management processes supporting Stellantis programs. 
  • Define, monitor, and report on compliance-related project plans and documentation.
  • Promote an ethical business culture and manage the centralized change management system with audit trail capabilities.
  • Track engineering changes ensuring timely implementation and execution for seamless launch.

What you will bring to the table: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business management or adjacent discipline required
• 4 years of applicable experience in engineering, sales, or related fields
• 5+ years of experience in Automotive preferred
• Ability to travel locally, domestically & internationally
• Ability to be on call as required. Extended work hours may be required to provide accessibility for customers, manufacturing, and management during critical events. 

What we can provide you: 

• A safe collaborative learning work environment that stimulates creativity and exploration
• Diverse teams of experts
• Resources from around the globe
• Supportive leadership and team members to help you do your best work
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Competitive compensation and benefits package including incentive compensation, 401K match, tuition assistance and a generous holiday schedule

Yazaki North America is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, handicap, veteran status, or other legally protected status or characteristic. Equal opportunity extends to all aspects of the employment relationship. Yazaki North America complies with federal and state equal employment opportunity laws and strives to keep the workplace free from all forms of harassment.