Program Manager II

Recaro Aircraft Seating Americas•Ft Worth, TX

About The Position

The Program Manager II manages complex commercial aircraft passenger-seat product development programs from Sales handover through program closure. The role coordinates activities needed to fulfill customer orders and is accountable for customer satisfaction while maintaining cost, quality, schedule, and weight targets and RECARO’s quality and design standards. The position also advises and mentors less experienced Program Managers and Assistant Program Managers. The Program Manager II manages program scope, timelines, budgets, resources, documentation, changes, risks, and team execution. The role serves as a primary customer and OEM contact, provides regular progress reporting, oversees technical meetings and program milestones, and works with internal teams and stakeholders to resolve issues and deliver program results. Travel of up to 25% may be required, both nationally and internationally.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 5 years of experience in a Program Management role.
Strong, proven customer-relations skills.
High-level understanding of engineering concepts and FAA certification procedures for commercial aircraft seats.
Strong negotiation skills and ability to positively influence customer decisions while maintaining customer satisfaction.
Proven track record of meeting commitments.
Strong problem-solving skills and mature judgment.
Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Excellent organizational skills.
Excellent internal and external communication and presentation skills.
Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
Ability to travel up to 25% nationally and internationally, as required.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering.
Master’s degree.
Multicultural background.

Responsibilities

Manage complex programs from Sales handover through program closure, with responsibility for cost, timeline, scope, and product quality.
Maintain overall program timelines and support agreed due dates; develop project plans in MS Project and manage ZACSA and MS Tracking database updates.
Negotiate due-date changes with OEMs and customers, define program scope, goals, and deliverables, and assess the impact of scope changes.
Manage customer and stakeholder communications, Master Change Proposals, program budgets, and budget changes.
Coordinate service bulletins and maintain program documentation, including action items, meeting minutes, checklists, audit files, milestone materials, presentations, concessions, commitment letters, and purchase-order records.
Lead program task and team meetings; follow up on open items and maintain OEM submittal requirements and due dates.
Estimate required resources and participants, negotiate personnel support with department managers, and manage dependencies, critical paths, expectations, priorities, and task delegation.
Identify and resolve team issues and conflicts, escalating unresolved matters according to the escalation process.
Supervise BFE activities, including timely placement and receipt of orders required for CDR, testing, and production seats.
Ensure IFE test equipment has the correct software level and functions properly for testing the required system against contract specifications.
Take overall responsibility for program performance and act as the primary focal point for ITCM, PDR, CDR, and other technical meetings.
Organize implementation of FAI open items and provide regular progress reports to OEM contacts.
Monitor OEM ratings and negotiate or correct them as needed; report program difficulties to the program review board and implement its decisions.
Determine status-reporting frequency and content, analyze results, and troubleshoot problem areas.
Follow department processes and procedures; participate in team and PMO meetings to support process upgrades and develop procedures.
Develop and follow program management guidelines and standards for project execution.
Prepare project audits and conduct risk analysis using RECARO standards and tools.
Conduct project post-mortems and produce recommendations as part of lessons learned.
Obtain regular customer input through surveys in accordance with department processes.
Mentor less experienced colleagues, including Assistant Program Managers and Program Manager I staff, and train them on program management processes.
Assist with customer meeting preparation and participation, program presentations, and question-and-answer sessions.