Product Development Program Mgr

Harley-Davidson•Milwaukee, WI

31d•Onsite

About The Position

The Product Development Technical Program Manager owns program operations including program critical path planning activities and leads project teams in all phases of H-D product development including definition, design, verification & validation, production and retail. The Technical Program Manager works within the Product Line Engineering (PLE) team and serves as the expert in program execution while partnering with the Product Line Engineering Manager or Lead to remove barriers and focus teams on what is most critical to deliver value to the customer. Specifically, this role will support the Small Cruiser product line and lead programs with an international strategic partner (International travel will be required, and working hours may need to reflect international partners’ operating hours).

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Required. Technical or Engineering degree preferred.
Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience.
Design engineering and product development delivery is highly recommended.
Program management experience and/or certification is beneficial.
Strong understanding of motorcycle components and vehicle system level interactions throughout the phases of product development.
Demonstrated ability to successfully lead complex projects with proficiency in the use of program management methodologies and tools.
Demonstrated application of program management principles that have led to the successful creation or change of product development processes.
Demonstrated experience inspiring others to continuously improve execution to improve quality and streamline work.
Demonstrated accomplishment in coaching, mentoring, and leading individuals/teams resulting in the attainment of business objectives.
Ability to manage, track, and communicate technical information in a clear, concise, and understandable manner to a broad group of stakeholders.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Establish, manage, and drive the program-level critical path via a deep understanding of crucial deliverables and cross-functional timing interdependencies (e.g. design and tooling release dates, supplier selection, build events, etc.).
Provide options to maintain program timing and health when faced with challenges. Use previous program & design delivery experience to draw the critical path and interdependencies from other people’s plans.
Leverage technical knowledge to actively identify program-level risks & issues and steps to mitigate to closure.
Ensure cross-functional alignment on risks & issues with program implications understood, clear ownership, effective prioritization, and stakeholder accountability.
Own the resource management process for the program.
Monitor health and identify issues that affect the program through its duration.
Oversee and drive the program metrics that provide a clear line of sight to program health.
Measure and communicate results versus plan for proactive mitigation and continuous improvement.
Run the day-to-day business of the program including cross-functional meetings (Program Leadership Teams (PLT), Town Halls, Workshops, etc.), communications (Program Scorecard, Leadership Updates, Phase Gate Presentations, etc.), and critical path timing (Cross-functional inputs, interdependencies, etc.) to ensure effective operation.
Work collaboratively with the PLE Chief and Manager or Lead.
Lead product development processes to ensure intent is met and rigor and documentation is scaled according to associated value and risk.
Work with international strategic partner to adjust and align standard processes to ensure efficient delivery of program activities and communications.
Create clarity and focus. Consistently center the team on what is most important and why.
Mitigate dysfunction and waste by continually refining program operations to ensure efficient, consistent, and effective execution (e.g., process, tools, communications).
Clarify who is responsible for deliverables and timing and hold them accountable.
Empower individuals and get decisions made at lowest level practical and ensure all stakeholders at all levels embrace their primary role.
Build critical cross-functional support and alliances to drive engagement and energy. Amid chaos lead by example, provide stable ground, drive progress and celebrate wins!
Identify and fill gaps by connecting individuals with relevant experts for help. Provide clarity throughout the program.
As a member of the Program Leadership Team, relentlessly drive the team by questioning and challenging.