Program Manager

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 in the world, and we've strived to maintain strategic and stable growth throughout our 83-year history. Today, we're on the lookout for energetic people with the potential to perform, as well as 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 is looking for a Program Manager to join our Ford Business Unit in Canton, MI.  The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a collaborative and action-driven environment making lasting impacts on the organization. 

Under direction of the Platform Manager, the Program Manager has responsibility and accountability for meeting established program targets. The Program Manager is responsible for successful completion of program objectives and for proposing strategic direction for program teams. Programs can typically consist of multiple vehicles. The position entails interface at a strategic level with multiple customer locations, internal and external and for global programs within multiple regions.

What you will be doing:

• Program Budget. Lead the development of STF/LTF program budget and deliver program at or under approved budget.
• Value Management. Execute the Value Management process to achieve program VM targets.
• Launch Readiness / Process Sign Off (PSO). Ensure all tasks are performed for launch readiness and PSO. Coordinate all program specific customer visits to the manufacturing facilities. Supply requirements to Manufacturing and approve all resolutions to the follow-up issues that are presented to the customer and escalate as necessary.  
• Customer Contact.  Coordinate and lead for all customer-critical program issues. Review requirements regularly with the customer to check on satisfaction levels/program metrics throughout the program. Engage in strategic negotiations to protect manufacturing.
• Program Scope. Coordinate, lead, and approve program scope changes within budget/STF. Summarize scope changes outside of budget/STF and elevate to Platform Manager.
• Scheduling and Tracking. Create program timing and have it approved by Platform Manager. Coordinate and lead the program schedule and tracking process to ensure the program meets the scope and customer requirements, to meet overall program metrics.  Review program timing and progress toward achievement of targets and goals.  Coordinate and lead build phases, while approving support activities to ensure successful delivery of the program. Prepare regular reports for presentation to executive management, which address program progress status.
• Risk Assessment. Create and coordinate risk assessments with the program team. Receive and review all recorded program risks. Allocate risk prevention and risk mitigation actions.
• PPAP. Ensure that customer production part approval process (PPAP) is done on time, per the APQP/PAP.
• Tooling. Ensure that all program required tooling for purchased parts is completed on time and within budget. 
• Supplier Contact. Support and assist all supplier activities related to the program.
• Rework. Ensure that all rework activities are tracked to minimize costs, quantities, and achieve timing requirements.
• Costing.  Support, assist, and review costing initiatives, which include program changes and Request for Quote (RFQ) activities throughout the life of the program.
• Quality Monitoring.  Monitor quality metrics and ensure timely closure for all quality issues.
• Delivery Monitoring. Ensure delivery of all products is on time, per the milestones and customer releases/orders.
• Customer Cost Reduction.  Support program cost reduction activities, balancing internal platform profitability metrics with customer cost reduction targets.
• Root Cause/Corrective Actions.  Ensure timely identification of root cause and closure for all corrective actions. Assist in identifying the corrective action team. Develop and implement containment plans, temporary actions, and permanent actions as required.
• Phase Compliance and Program Completion. Ensure that phase compliance (EMAs, Health Charts, Monthly Program Reviews) and applicable documentation is accurate, complete, and on time.
• Manufacturing Interface.  Lead, coordinate, and monitor interface with manufacturing to deliver program targets and manage Vertical KPI’s through the following mechanisms: S&OP, EE Management, Inventory Management, Balance Out, Manufacturing Coordination Meetings, APQP Planning (4M/Process Readiness), Customer Reimbursable Tooling, Change Management, Product Transfers, CSL, Pre-Build Coordination, affiliate sourcing and any other critical interface processes.
• Program Coordination Meetings. Conduct program coordination meetings regularly. Lead the cross-functional program coordination meeting. Review the meeting minutes to ensure timely completion of all tasks.
• Open Issues. Manage open issues lists and ensure timely closure of all issues. 

• Engineering Change. Review and approve engineering change requests. Communicate and coordinate changes with the customer, affiliate, and team members.

What you will bring to the table:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Management or related field, applicable experience may be considered in lieu of degree
• Minimum of five years applicable experience in engineering, sales, or related fields

What we can provide you:

• A collaborative learning environment that will help you reach your maximum potential
• A diverse team of experts
• Supportive leadership and team members to help you do your best work
• Opportunities to build your professional network
• An engaging and supportive work culture
• 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.