Spec Program Mgr

Toyoda Gosei Americas•Brighton, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Technology Program Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing Smart Factory initiatives that improve operational efficiency, productivity, quality, inventory management, and decision-making through digital transformation, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies. This role leads a portfolio of projects involving IoT, automation, AI, data integration, dashboards, AMRs/AGVs, digital workflows, and manufacturing systems while coordinating resources across engineering, production, maintenance, IT, OneCIS, third-party vendors, and corporate partners. The position ensures projects deliver measurable business results aligned with company strategic objectives.

Requirements

Safety-minded
Strong continuous improvement skill set
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all team members and external parties
Leadership
Strong project leadership skills
Ability to influence without direct authority
Team facilitation and stakeholder management
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Effective at providing guidance and direction as required
Self-directed with a strong attention to detail
Cross functional leadership - Facilitate communication between stakeholders and leadership teams.
Technical Knowledge – at conceptual level
Manufacturing processes
Industrial automation
PLC and controls fundamentals
Manufacturing execution systems
IoT and data collection technologies
AI and digital transformation concepts
Systems integration principles
Business Skills
Strategic planning
Budget development
CAPEX justification
ROI analysis
Risk management
KPI development
Project Management
Project scheduling
Resource planning
Vendor management
Scope management
Change control
Continuous improvement methodologies
Safety & PPE Requirements on the plant floor: Glasses required in production areas
Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes required
Hair reaching shoulder length must be secured behind head in production areas
High visibility clothing in required areas
All other required PPE as outlined

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Automation, Information Systems, or related field.
5+ years of project management experience.
5+ years of manufacturing experience.
Experience implementing automation, Industry 4.0, Smart Factory, or digital transformation projects.
PMP certification.
Understanding of IATF system requirement preferred
Lean / TPS experience preferred.
Knowledge of data visualization and analytics platforms.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
Knowledge of JDE desired

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain the Smart Factory roadmap aligned with company strategy and operational needs.
Manage Smart Factory projects from concept through implementation, including schedules, milestones, budgets, resources, scope, and change control.
Develop business cases, including ROI, project benefits, CAPEX planning, approvals, risk management, and KPI tracking.
Monitor project status, communicate progress to leadership, and lead project reviews or governance meetings.
Coordinate cross-functional communication among engineering, production, maintenance, IT, OneCIS, vendors, and other stakeholders.
Drive adoption of new systems and technologies through training plans, workforce upskilling, and change management.
Provide leadership and support to the Smart Factory task force, including setting priorities, facilitating teamwork, and supporting continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with safety expectations, TGFS mission, vision, core values, TG policies, procedures, Hoshin activities, and IATF requirements.
Support process improvement by collecting and analyzing data, implementing preventive and corrective actions, and promoting digital innovation.
Perform additional duties as assigned by senior leadership.