Sr. Manager Materials Strategies, Planning and Optimization & VAA Planning and Execution

General Motors•Warren, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Materials & VAA plays a critical role in developing and executing lean material planning strategies for General Assembly, optimizing material usage, and driving VAA planning initiatives to ensure flawless launches. This position serves as a key liaison between engineering, production, and VAA teams, with a strong focus on cost control, efficiency, and quality.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Global Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
5+ years of manufacturing experience with a focus on materials management, engineering, and VAA processes.
Strong leadership skills with proven ability to inspire and guide teams.
Expertise in materials science, VAA processes, material selection, and testing methodologies.
Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and their influence on material performance.
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Clear, effective communication and strong collaboration skills.
Proficiency in manufacturing software and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

Material Strategy & Optimization Develop and lead the General Assembly material ecosystem plan, aligning lean strategies and optimization efforts with overall business objectives.
Create strategies to reduce material costs through supplier negotiations and cost-saving alternatives.
Implement efficient inventory control systems to minimize waste and ensure material availability.
Guide material selection for manufacturing processes, balancing cost, performance, and manufacturability.
Stay current on material technologies and trends, assessing their impact on product quality and production efficiency.
Collaborate with production teams to maintain smooth material flow throughout manufacturing.
Identify and resolve material-related issues on the production floor, driving improvements in efficiency and quality.
Oversee material testing programs to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
VAA Planning & Launch Support Lead the development and execution of VAA planning strategies aligned with lean principles and business goals.
Participate in and drive build events (on-site and off-site) throughout all launch phases, from IVER through tooling installation and MVB events.
Monitor VAA performance, escalate issues when necessary, and implement recovery plans with regular updates.
Oversee VAA launch activities in collaboration with plant personnel and General Assembly Manufacturing Engineering resources.
Build strong partnerships with VAA suppliers, ensuring accountability for quality and performance targets.
Develop and implement a VAA Continuous Improvement process to enhance execution and system efficiency within VAA and GM assembly teams.
Leadership & Management Lead and motivate a team of materials and VAA professionals, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
Manage budgets for materials and VAA, identifying opportunities for cost reduction.
Provide technical guidance and support to cross-functional teams, including purchasing and quality assurance.