Program Manager

Responsible and accountable for the execution of all programs assigned to adherence to Tenneco program management processes.  Ensures flawless launch performance and meets all program targets including, but not limited to: 0-0-100-100-30 (0 recordable injuries; 0 customer quality rejections; 100% on time delivery to the customer; 100% of the CAR financial targets; measured during the first 30 calendar days after the customer’s Start Of Production). 

Manages several minor programs, or one-two major programs.  Early career position into Program Management.  Ideal candidate is an internal employee making the transition to the PM function.

• Ensures problem identification and resolution.

• • Ensures a high level of integration and collaboration with the plants and Launch Managers in their program, as well as, alignment with the program team members in Engineering, Sales, Finance, Quality and Purchasing.

• • Takes an active “go and verify” approach to program by personally visiting the plants and suppliers at appropriate intervals.

• • Ensures the effectiveness of program team meetings and customer review meetings.

• • Ensures effective communication with program team.  Acts as the central communication point for their programs.

• • Manages the program team from Gate 1 (Stage 2) through Gate 7.   

• Ensures effective and timely scope management with emphasis on customer scope changes and executes the Scope Change process and approval.

• • Ensures program trade off analysis – balancing cost, time, product and resources.
  • Identifies program risks early, develops and executes mitigation strategies and executes the Red Flag process.

• • Escalates risk with mitigation strategies to the leadership team in a timely fashion.

• Creates high quality timing plans that are developed with the program team with effective buy in from all functional areas.

• • Meets 0 days late for all Gates.

• • Meets all customer MRDs on time with high quality products.

• Ensures all program financial targets and budgets are met.

• • Verifies the CARs and Business Cases are reasonable and achievable.

• • Ensures effective and logical financial roadmaps are executed.

• Ensures quality objectives and roadmaps are developed, executed and met via their program teams.

• Ensures sourcing on time with high quality suppliers.

• • Ensures appropriate completion of Make versus Buy decisions.

• • Ensures on time PPAP of purchased components.

• Visits critical suppliers at appropriate points in the program with the members of their Program Teams.           

• Other duties as assigned.   

• Bachelors’ Degree in Engineering or equivalent.  
• Masters’ Degree in Business Administration is preferred.
• PMP certification is preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience (up to 8) in the automotive industry and 3- 5 years in another functional group (Engineering, Operations, Finance, Quality, Sales or Purchasing).
• Experience in at least 2 key functional areas: Program Management, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Operations, and Sales.
• Proven knowledge of program management methodology, tools and techniques.  
• Participation or leadership in a cross functional team.

• Leads, motivates and drives a cross functional team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Execution and quality focus.
• Fluent in English.  Multiple languages a plus.
• Knowledge of MS Office and MS Project.

• Often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance and to stoop kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Vision abilities required include close vision.
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.