Program Manager II

RECARO Aircraft Seating Americas LLC•Fort Worth, TX

About The Position

The Program Manager II is responsible for the coordination of all activities related to the fulfilment of assigned customer orders for commercial aircraft passenger seats, from the time a program is handed over by the Sales department until program closure. The primary focus of the Program Manager is to ensure complete satisfaction of assigned customers with the RECARO Aircraft Seating products and services, maintaining cost, quality and schedule control, as well as RECARO’s quality and design standards. The Program Manager II has primary responsibility to maintain program on time performance, quality, cost and weight targets. This role requires industry experience and knowledge to manage complicated product development projects and mentor less experienced Program Managers.

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required.
A degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Electrical Engineering is preferred.
Minimum of 5 years’ 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 the ability to positively influence customer decisions.
Proven track record of meeting commitments.
Strong problem solving skills with the ability to exercise mature judgment.
Ability to multi-task and operate in a fast-paced, high pressure environment.
Excellent organization skills.
Excellent internal and external communication and presentation skills.
Ability to take initiative and work with minimum supervision.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree is a plus.
Multicultural background is a plus.

Responsibilities

Manage complex programs from sales handover to program closure with complete responsibility over cost, timeline, scope and quality of the product.
Advise Assistant PM regarding complex program items such as Full Certification Testing (Incl HIC), Complex IFE Installations, High Level Customers, Complex Seat Layouts, and Unique customer requested design solutions.
Maintain overall program timeline to support agreed due dates.
Develop full scale project plan in MS Project.
Manage ZACSA.
Manage MS Tracking database updates.
Negotiate due date changes with OEM and customers.
Define project scope, goals and deliverables in collaboration with project team, senior management and stakeholders.
Manage program scope and assess the impact of scope changes.
Communicate with customers and stakeholders.
Manage Master Change Proposals.
Manage Program budget and coordinate budget changes.
Service bulletin coordination.
Manage program documentation, including Program Action Items, Program Team Meeting minutes, Program Checklist, Audit files and results, MCP and Purchase Order filing, Program Milestone Meeting documentation, PSC / IPSC Presentations, and Concessions and commitment letters.
Manage program team to achieve project results by leading task and team meetings, following up on open items, agreeing and maintaining OEM submittal requirements and due dates.
Estimate resources and participants required, negotiating with department managers for personnel support.
Identify and manage project dependencies and critical path.
Identify and resolve issues and conflicts within the project team, escalating when necessary.
Define priorities, delegate tasks, and establish clear accountability within the program team.
Supervise all BFE activities, including timely placement and receipt of BFE orders.
Ensure IFE test equipment is loaded with correct software level and is functioning properly.
Oversee overall program performance.
Serve as the primary focal for ITCM, PDR, CDR and other technical meetings.
Organize implementation of FAI open items.
Interface with OEM contact and provide regular program progress reports.
Continuously monitor OEM ratings and negotiate or correct as required.
Report program difficulties to the program review board and implement decisions.
Determine frequency and content of status reports, analyze results, and troubleshoot problem areas.
Adhere to Department processes and procedures.
Participate in team and PMO meetings to support process upgrades or develop new processes/procedures.
Develop and adhere to program management guidelines and standards for project execution.
Prepare project audits and implement risk analysis using Recaro standards and tools.
Conduct project post mortems and create recommendations reports.
Obtain regular input from customers through customer surveys.
Mentor less experienced colleagues (Assistant Program Manager / Program Manager I).
Provide training for Program Management Processes.
Assist in customer meetings and preparation of program presentations.
Provide availability for question/answer sessions.