Sr. Program Manager

Job Description:

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for the overall management of assigned customer product development programs.  Interface with all levels of internal and customer management on all aspects of planning, scheduling, organizing, directing and controlling the program is required. The program manager leads the Program Team to meet timing, quality, finance and product requirements for Cooper Standard and customer systems and processes.

 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Leads the program team and takes personal responsibility for the program’s success by holding the team accountable, ensuring appropriate staffing, maintaining the team morale by resolving conflicts between team members and elevates effectively when needed.
• Manage and maintain program documentation and processes including customer statement of work, Open Issues List, Timeline, Monthly Project Reports and CLauS.
• Establish program timeline with internal and external targets, objectives and deliverables that supports a successful launch by working with Management, Customers and Program Team.
• Supports the Manufacturing Team in production builds, team meetings, plant based customer reviews and critical production preparation activities.
• Clarify roles and responsibilities to ensure program team members support launch efforts.
• Achieves all internal and external financial targets.
• Ensures successful on-time completion of program deliverables.
• Utilize CLauS scope change document including, written responses to scope change requests and quotes that include product, cost and timing impact to ensure Cooper Standard’s position is protected.
• Use a risk management approach to anticipate and prevent problems from occurring.  Apply sound judgment in elevating risks to management.   Identify management specific tasks, deliverables and support needed to mitigate future risk.
• Ensure program meets all internal and external quality targets while adhering to all customer quality systems and processes. Launch products below targets for launch cost, scrap and containment.
• May, on occasion, be required to perform duties other than those specified in this description.

 

 Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related fields. MBA/MS/MA/PMP certification preferred.
• A minimum of eight years’ experience in the automotive industry or closely related industry. Preferable experience with a tier one supplier.
• Experience in at least three cross functional areas (Quality, Engineering, Operations, Purchasing and/or Sales); preferably including at least two programs during the launch of a product. Consideration for previous managerial experience.
• Experience managing a program from quote through launch; additional consideration for global programs and/or international experience.
• Ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources to draw conclusions and ability to help others clarify and structure their perspective in a way that results in an actionable conclusion
• Project leadership experience in a matrix organization.

 

 

• Excellent planning, collaboration, and facilitation skills, a must to coordinate and leverage capabilities across a highly matrixed organization involving multiple products, channels & functions. Ability to influence their peer group in that environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office and other systems supporting program management.
• Data-driven problem solving skills, with understanding of problem solving tools and key performance indicators / metrics.
• Understanding of project accounting financials, detailed cost management, and desire to be an expert in program financials.
• Willingness and ability to travel, as necessary.

 

 Work Environment/Work Conditions:

• Professional Office Environment.
• Must wear proper personal protection equipment while on manufacturing floor.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations when required.
• Equipment used requires proper training on the potential for and avoidance of injury.

 

Position Type:

Regular

Additional Locations: 

Additional Information:

Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers. Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether personal, professional, or via education or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing [email protected] with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered.

Remote Status:

Hybrid