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 Stellantis Business Unit in Canton, Michigan.  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 in multiple regions.

What you will be doing:

• Program Budget: Lead the development of STF/LTF program budget and deliver program at/under approved budget
• Value Management: Execute the Value Management process to achieve program 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, approve all resolutions to the follow-up issues presented to the customer and escalate as necessary
• Customer Contact: Coordinate and lead all customer-critical program issues, review program metrics/satisfaction levels with customers regularly, 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, coordinate and lead the program schedule/tracking process, customer requirements and overall program metrics, review program timing and progress toward goals, coordinate and lead build phases while approving support activities, prepare regular reports for presentation to executive management
• Risk Assessment: Create and coordinate risk assessments, receive and review all recorded program risks, allocate risk prevention/mitigation actions
• PPAP: Ensure customer production part approval process (PPAP) is completed on time, per the APQP/PAP
• Tooling: Ensure program required tooling for purchased parts is completed on time/within budget 
• Supplier Contact: Support and assist all supplier activities related to the program.
• Rework: Ensure all rework activities are tracked to minimize costs, quantities and achieve timing requirements
• Costing:  Support, assist and review costing initiatives, including program changes and Request for Quote (RFQ) activities
• Quality Monitoring:  Monitor quality metrics and ensure timely closure for all quality issues
• Delivery Monitoring: Ensure delivery of all products is on time per 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 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
• Team Meetings: Conduct program coordination and cross functional PM meetings regularly
• Open Issues: Manage open issues and ensure timely closure of all issues

• Change Requests: 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 a degree.
• Minimum 5 years of Program management, Engineering, Sales or Costing activity experience
• Experience performing market analysis or marketing expertise
• Prior experience in new business creation and new product development functions preferred
• Skills to lead “design thinking” activities and skills to effectively moderate idea generation forums
• Previous work experience with Yazaki is a plus
• Key Competencies: Business Savvy, Leadership, Active Learning, Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving, Customer Orientation, Results Orientation & Execution, Initiative and Teamwork, Negotiations

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 model

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.