Cross Program Process Lead

General Motors•Warren, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Cross Program Process Lead is a Design Program Management authority for GMNA Design, with deep knowledge of Design program processes, forums, and standards who turns Cross Vehicle Program Management (CVPM) and Design Operations strategy into clear, repeatable ways of working. This role owns and maintains core Design Program Management processes, templates, and forums, leads training and change management for PM standards, and partners with the Cross Program Data Lead to ensure that Design’s operating model is both process‑sound and data‑driven. The Cross Program Process Lead creates and sustains the “how we run programs” playbook for GMNA Design—covering GVDP‑aligned processes, Design gate deliverables, standard reviews (e.g.,POPs, DPR, MRR), and PM checklists—so that Program & Studio Management (PSM/PM/APM) can execute consistently across studios, brands, and vehicle programs. The ideal candidate is process‑minded, facilitation‑strong, and change‑driven, comfortable operating in a dynamic, creative environment while bringing structure, clarity, and predictability to Design Program Management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Design, Program Management, Operations, or related field; or equivalent experience.
6+ years of experience in Design Program Management, operations, or studio/program management, ideally within automotive or complex product development environments.
Proven experience defining, documenting, and improving operational processes and forums (e.g., program reviews, escalations, gate readiness reviews) with clear outcomes.
Strong familiarity with GVDP, Design sub‑processes, and Design Program Management practices; experience with DCR/eMERGE, and Design review forums (NADR, X‑EDoD, DPR, POPs) strongly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex process and governance topics into clear, usable guidance for non‑expert audiences (e.g., PMs, studio teams, cross‑functional partners).
Experience supporting senior‑level decision‑making via well‑structured agendas, forums, templates, and follow‑through, ideally in a Design or product development context.
Strong organization, facilitation, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple Design stakeholder priorities in a fast‑changing environment.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in GMNA Design Operations, or Program & Studio Management.
Experience collaborating with IT/data teams and analytics partners (e.g., Cross Program Data Lead) to align process needs with reporting and tools.
Experience leading change management and training for new or updated processes, templates, or governance routines.
Experience developing data driven visualizations to communicate project status (e.g., Tableau)
Familiarity with AI‑enabled or digital workflow tools for process documentation, training, or automation (e.g., knowledge bases, e‑learning, guided checklists).

Responsibilities

Own Design Program Management processes and standards for the Design organization
Ensure alignment to GVDP and CVPM direction
Vet through governance structure with Design GVDP Management team
Document, make accessible, and maintain version control
Apply consistently across studios, brands, and vehicle programs
Maintain and improve core PSM artifacts
Milestone checklists, DPR templates, DCR trackers, gate readiness materials
Keep artifacts practical, current, and easy for PMs/APMs to use
Develop communication plans
Roll out updated, new, or improved sub‑processes for PSM teams
Partner closely with the Cross Program Data Analyst
Align process standards with standard metrics/dashboards (on‑time performance, workload, late changes, rework, gate readiness)
Ensure forums and templates use single‑source‑of‑truth data (WLM, GRDS, eMERGE, PM tools, resource views)
Develop data‑backed visualizations and templates combining process expectations with insights for Design leaders
Create clear, repeatable process documentation and playbooks
Guides, flows, and checklists for PSM/PM/APM and studio partners
Lead training and capability building for Design PSM standards
Develop and deliver onboarding/refresher training on PM processes, templates, and review expectations
Support training on using data and dashboards in partnership with the Data Analyst
Act as a dedicated process partner to the Senior Manager, Program & Studio Management and the CVPM
Shape/refine program review cadences (DPR, scorecards, escalation flow)
Standardize studio information‑sharing and gate deliverables
Support DPR from a process standpoint
Update templates
Identify recurring issues
Track program gates, milestone completion, and due dates
Identify trends and friction points in execution
Gather feedback from PMs/APMs, studios, and EDoDs
Use insights and patterns from the Cross Program Data Analyst
Lead structured continuous improvement efforts for Design Program Management
Waterfall 2.0 and PM Milestone Checklist 2.0
DPR and gate‑deliverable template enhancements
Process updates for DCR/eMERGE usage in Design
Standardize and streamline PSM routines
Eliminate redundant templates and one‑off forum expectations
Promote common tools and cadences across studios
Support self‑service access to process guidance and templates
Operate independently within broad guidelines
Develop and deliver process solutions for complex cross‑studio issues
Review solutions at key decision points with the Senior Manager and the CVPM