Program Manager II

RECARO Aircraft Seating Americas LLC • Fort Worth, TX

6d

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 related to assigned customer orders and is accountable for customer satisfaction, program schedule, quality, cost, scope, and weight targets while maintaining RECARO quality and design standards. Complex programs may involve full certification testing, complex in-flight entertainment installations, high-level customers, complex seat layouts, or unique customer design solutions. The Program Manager II also advises and mentors less experienced program managers.

The position leads program teams, manages customer and stakeholder communications, budgets, documentation, schedules, changes, dependencies, risks, and issues, and serves as the primary focal point for technical and milestone meetings. It also supports process development, audits, lessons learned, customer feedback, and training for program management processes. 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 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 minimum supervision.
• Willingness 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.
• Advise Program Manager I and Assistant Program Manager colleagues on complex program matters.
• Maintain program timelines and support agreed due dates.
• Develop project plans using MS Project; manage ZACSA and update the MS Tracking database.
• Negotiate due-date changes with OEMs and customers.
• Define program scope, goals, and deliverables with the project team, senior management, and stakeholders; manage scope changes and assess their impact.
• Communicate with customers and stakeholders.
• Manage Master Change Proposals, program budgets, and budget changes.
• Coordinate service bulletins and maintain program documentation, including action items, meeting minutes, checklists, audit files, results, MCPs, purchase orders, milestone meeting materials, and presentations.
• Lead program tasks and team meetings, follow up on open items, and maintain OEM submittal requirements and due dates.
• Estimate staffing and resource needs and negotiate for personnel support when required.
• Identify and manage dependencies and critical paths, and manage expectations with team members and stakeholders.
• Identify and resolve team issues and conflicts, escalating unresolved matters according to the escalation process.
• Set program priorities and delegate tasks and responsibilities with clear accountability.
• Supervise BFE activities, including timely placement and receipt of orders needed for CDR, test, and production seats.
• Ensure IFE test equipment has the correct software and functions properly for testing against contract specifications.
• Manage overall program performance and act as the primary focal point for ITCM, PDR, CDR, and other technical meetings.
• Organize implementation of FAI open items.
• Provide regular program progress reports to OEM contacts and maintain program visibility.
• Monitor OEM ratings and negotiate or correct them as needed.
• Report program difficulties to the program review board and implement its decisions.
• Determine status-report 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 development.
• 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 prepare recommendations reports as part of lessons learned.
• Obtain regular customer input through surveys in accordance with department processes.
• Mentor Assistant Program Managers and Program Manager I colleagues and provide training on program management processes.
• Assist with customer meetings and their preparation, help prepare program presentations, and be available for question-and-answer sessions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level