Program Manager

About us

We see a future where everyone can live and move without limitations. That’s why we are developing technologies, systems and concepts that make vehicles safer and cleaner, while serving our communities, the planet and, above all, people.

Forward. For all.

Group Summary

The Magna Exteriors portfolio of products includes access systems such as liftgates, exterior trim, modular systems, front-end modules including fascia, active aerodynamic systems and other lightweight structural components for automotive, commercial truck and other industrial markets.

Recognized globally as an innovator in all aspects of vehicle exteriors, Magna provides everything needed, from materials development and design through manufacturing and assembly, to help automakers create sleek, state-of-the-art vehicles across the world.

Role Summary

This position reports directly to the Program Development Senior Manager and is responsible for the general and specific job duties as described below.

Job Purpose:

Ensure the requirements of the Customer Statement of Work (SOW) and Program Award are accomplished through a collaborative approach in managing activities of pre-defined resources in a Matrix Environment of multiple Departments, utilizing standard tools and processes.

Scope:

Location: North America or Global

Program Size / Scale: Medium (2-3 Prg. at one time)

Program Type / Complexity: Standard program

Process: Product Delivery Process (PDP) Gated Launch

Responsibility: Train /Lead Prg. Launch Coord.

Job Qualifications:

Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree or higher in an Engineering Curriculum or Technical field.

Required Years of Experience: 4-9 years

Required Microsoft Tools: Proven Skills in Project, EXCEL, Power Point, Word, etc.

Required Travel: Ability to travel up to 25 %, during peak launch cycle.

Required Work Environment: Be willing and physically capable of working in the manufacturing environment, “on the floor’ for extended periods as necessary, supporting the Pre and Postproduction Build and Launch Activities. Must also be willing to do the same at the Customers location if requested. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.

Required Direct Customer / Supplier Experience: Skilled

Required New Product Launch Experience: Skilled

Required Gated Launch Experience: Skilled

Required Automotive OEM Experience: Skilled

Required Negotiation and Public Speaking Experience: Skilled

Required Financial Acumen: Skilled

PMP Project Management Professional Certification: Gained or in the process of training to take the test within first year of employment

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Initiation:

· Work with the Sales team to perform project assessment based upon available information, lessons learned from previous projects and meetings with relevant stakeholders to support the evaluation of the feasibility of new products or services within the given assumptions and/or constraints.

· Establish project deliverables; record detailed customer requirements, constraints, high level risks and assumptions with stakeholders to establish the project deliverables, using requirement-gathering techniques (e.g., historical data, brainstorming, organizational factors).

· Develop communication plan; identify key project team members by defining roles and responsibilities to create a project organization structure to develop the communication plan.

Planning:

· Develop the varied key process element “plans” utilizing the Product Delivery Process (PDP) and traX, including but not limited to: Scope, Cost, Schedule, Human Resources, Communication, Procurement, Quality, Change Management, Safety and Risk. Focus on engagement and gain input from all functional swim lane leaders during this process.

· The above detailed plans will be defined and tracked in a project schedule with resources encompassing all areas required to complete the project. Concurrence of schedule content and commitments will be agreed upon to create the overall milestone dates. Baseline Milestone commitments will be created and gain Leadership approval, prior to proceeding.

· Conduct a kick-off meeting with all key stakeholders to announce the start of the project and review the overall project plan and gain consensus.

· Develop a stakeholder management plan to communicate overall project status throughout the life cycle.

Execution:

· Acquire and manage project resources to execute the project plan (mission based team assignments).

· Manage task execution as defined in the project plan in order to achieve the project goals.

· Implement the quality management plan to required quality standards.

· Implement the approved changes and corrective actions required by following the change management plan to meet or exceed project requirements.

· Following the risk management plan, implement approved actions to minimize risk and take advantage of opportunities to decrease overall cost (risk and or management reserve impact).

· Supports team building by generating mutual trust and encourages respect and cooperation among team members.

· Develop project team and improves team performance by building team cohesiveness, leading, mentoring, training, and motivating to facilitate cooperation, ensure project efficiency, and boost morale.

Monitoring & Controlling:

· Responsible for and management of overall project deliverables to Baseline Timing commitments, financial measures, performance measures and various Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).

· Manage changes to the project scope, project schedule, and project costs using appropriate verification techniques to keep the project plan accurate, updated, reflective of authorized project changes to facilitate customer acceptance.

· Measure project performance using appropriate tools and techniques to monitor the progress of the project, identify and quantify any variances, perform any required corrective actions, and communicate to all stakeholders.

· Capture, analyze and manage lessons learned to enable continuous improvement.

· Monitor procurement and manufacturing activities to verify compliance with project deliverables, focusing on “on time” execution to the quality standards and management plan.

· Clearly and professionally communicates project issues to the Leadership Team for escalation and resolution.

Closure:

· Assure completion of all required launch process deliverables.

· Gain final acceptance from relevant stakeholders, confirming and assuring that project scope and deliverables were achieved.

· Conduct a comprehensive final lessons learned event and transfer this information to the Magna knowledge base for all teams to reference.

· Coordinate with Manufacturing team to train and transfer product to Plant control.

· Archive project documents and materials for future reference and audit.

Job Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies.

· Proven ability to specify and deliver quality products.

· Strong experience in project management and risk mitigation and negotiation.

· Strong organizational, presentation, and customer service skills.

· Driving project management and communication skills to effectively manage cross functional teams.

· Ability to lead and work collaboratively.

· Self-starter with the ability to work through ambiguity.

· Observes safety and security procedures; Uses equipment and materials properly.

· Communicates information and ideas in writing and speaking, so others will understand.

· Possesses good listening skills by listening intently to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions when appropriate, and allowing others to speak without interrupting them.

· Demonstrates high ethics and values and inspires loyalty and trust, handles oneself ethically following core values and beliefs.

· Obtains consensus by all stakeholders and project sponsors.

· Proficient in presenting project updates to all stakeholders and Leadership both locally and Corporate.

· Language Skills: Able to write complex correspondence in a clear and understandable manner; Ability to read and comprehend information in a variety of forms; Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization.