Program Manager

Kasai North America • Murfreesboro, TN

387d

About The Position

The Program Manager at Kasai North America, Inc. is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of automotive interior trim programs from the Request for Quotation (RFQ) stage through to production manufacturing launch. This role involves providing leadership, motivating teams, and interfacing with various stakeholders to ensure successful program execution, adherence to timelines, and budget management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Business related discipline or 5 years of Automotive experience in Engineering/Program Management.
• 3-5 years of experience in program management/engineering management of major OEM programs or a combination of school/PMP certificates and program management experience.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Windows operating system.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Project and SAP/PLM/PLEX software.

Nice To Haves

• PMP certification
• Experience in automotive industry
• Familiarity with APQP processes

Responsibilities

• Develop a program plan that meets customer and internal requirements for a successful program launch.
• Utilize the program timeline to communicate deliverables and due dates to stakeholders.
• Manage the program through a gate process and ensure appropriate signoff documentation is obtained.
• Act as a central communication point for the team regarding deliverables and timing commitments.
• Manage the team to meet cost, timing, manufacturing, and quality targets.
• Create and maintain open issues documentation and communicate the impact of scope changes to stakeholders.
• Coordinate weekly PMT meetings with functional leaders related to the program.
• Conduct periodic senior management reviews to confirm adherence to program deliverables and master schedule.
• Negotiate and resolve customer, supplier, and internal issues affecting program schedules and costs.
• Support the RFQ process and coordinate the Make vs. Buy process.
• Represent management in OEM New Model Reviews and lead tooling buy-off activities.
• Support KNA facilities for tool trials and process improvement activities.
• Analyze product delivery or supply chain processes for cost savings and recommend changes.
• Manage invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracking activities.
• Attend and coordinate run-at-rate events with customers and suppliers.
• Oversee material trial orders and trial shipments to customers.
• Lead APQP teams and provide ongoing status updates to upper management.
• Complete OEM customer required documentation until project launch.
• Manage cost targets throughout trials and launch with production and purchasing departments.
• Monitor and track KPI targets for the project.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401k plan
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees