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 Electronics & Instrumentation business unit in Canton, MI.  The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a collaborative and action-driven environment, making lasting impacts on the organization.  This position is hybrid.

What you will be doing:

            Budget and Cost Management

• Program Budget: Lead the STF/LFT program budget development and deliver the program at or under the approved budget.
• Value Management: Execute the Value Management process to achieve program VM targets.
• Costing: Support, assist, and review costing initiatives, including program changes and Request for Quote (RFQ) activities throughout the program's life.
• Customer Cost Reduction: Support program activities, balancing internal platform profitability metrics with customer cost reduction targets.

Program Scope and Scheduling

• Program Scope: Coordinate, lead, and approve program scope changes within budget/STF. Elevate scope changes outside of budget/STF to Platform Manager.
• Scheduling and Tracking: Create program timing, get it approved by the Platform Manager, and coordinate the program schedule to ensure it meets scope and customer requirements. Review program timing and progress and coordinate build phases and support activities to ensure successful delivery.

Risk and Quality Management

• Risk Assessment: Create and coordinate risk assessments with the program team, review all recorded program risks, and allocate risk prevention and mitigation actions.
• Quality Monitoring: Monitor quality metrics and ensure timely closure of all quality issues.
• Root Cause/Corrective Actions: Ensure timely root cause identification and closure for all corrective actions. Develop and implement containment plans and temporary and permanent actions as required.

Customer and Supplier Coordination

• Customer Contact: Coordinate and lead all customer-critical program issues. Engage in strategic negotiations and review customer requirements regularly to check satisfaction and program metrics.
• Supplier Contact: Support and assist all supplier activities related to the program.
• Engineering Change: Review and approve engineering change requests and coordinate changes with the customer, affiliate, and team members.

Manufacturing and Tooling Interface

• Manufacturing Interface: Lead, coordinate, and monitor manufacturing interfaces to deliver program targets. Manage Vertical KPIs through various mechanisms like S&OP, EE Management, Inventory Management, and more.
• Tooling: Ensure all program-required tooling for purchased parts is completed on time and within budget.

Program and Phase Compliance

• Launch Readiness/Process Sign-Off (PSO): Ensure all tasks for launch readiness and PSO are performed. Coordinate customer visits to manufacturing facilities and approve resolutions to issues.
• PPAP: Ensure the customer production part approval process (PPAP) is completed on time, per the APQP/PAP.
• Phase Compliance and Program Completion: Ensure phase compliance (EMAs, Health Charts, Monthly Program Reviews) and applicable documentation are accurate, complete, and timely.

Program Coordination and Reporting

• Program Coordination Meetings: Conduct regular cross-functional program coordination meetings and ensure timely completion of all tasks.
• Open Issues: Manage open issues lists and ensure timely closure of all issues.
• Reporting: Prepare regular executive management reports addressing program progress status.

Delivery and Rework Management

• Delivery Monitoring: Ensure the on-time delivery of all products per milestones and customer releases/orders.
• Rework: Track all rework activities to minimize costs and quantities and meet timing requirements.

What you will bring to the table:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Management, or a related field; applicable experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
• At least 5 years of experience in engineering, sales, or related field
• Travel: Domestic and International, as required
• Ability to resolve issues by applying creative thinking
• Ability to think and act logically under pressure
• Ability to resolve issues or propose resolutions to responsible parties
• Must work independently and collaboratively
• Key Competencies: active learning, analytical thinking and problem-solving, customer orientation, results orientation and execution, initiative, and teamwork

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
• A hybrid work 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.