Customer Program Manager - Ford

Visteon; Karlsruhe; Vor Ort; EUR 70.000 - 90.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading automotive company is looking for a Customer Program Manager in Karlsruhe, Germany. This role involves ensuring the timely delivery of automotive programs while maintaining high-quality standards. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of program management experience in the automotive sector, with strong leadership and analytical skills. You will work with cross-functional teams to enhance customer satisfaction and drive continuous improvement. Join us to contribute to dynamic projects in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifikationen

• 8+ years of experience in program management within the automotive industry.
• Strong experience managing complex programs from inception to launch.
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets and achieving profitability targets.

Aufgaben

• Ensure timely launch and delivery of programs.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on Value Analysis/Value Engineering.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality.

Kenntnisse

Leadership

Project Management

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Analytical Skills

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business Administration

Advanced degree (MBA or Master's in Engineering)

Jobbeschreibung

Mission of the Role

As the Customer Program Manager for one of our automotive partners, you will be at the forefront of driving excellence in program execution across Europe. Your mission is to ensure the timely and on-budget launch and delivery of all programs, while upholding the highest standards of quality, both internally and with our customers. You will lead and inspire a dynamic team, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. Your strategic vision and strong leadership will be pivotal in enhancing customer satisfaction, achieving operational excellence, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. Together, we will navigate the challenges of the automotive landscape, delivering exceptional results that propel our organization and our partners forward.

Key Objectives of this Role

• Ensure on-time launch and delivery of all programs for a customer product group, adhering to established timelines and milestones.
• Meet program budget and profitability targets while maintaining cost-effective solutions and resource allocation.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to implement Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) initiatives that enhance product value and reduce costs.
• Proactively address and resolve customer quality issues, ensuring alignment with internal quality metrics and standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and increase overall customer satisfaction.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing Program Management team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Partner with Sales and Product organizations to identify and capitalize on future product development and quoting opportunities, ensuring alignment with customer needs and market trends.
• Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with the customer, ensuring open communication and alignment on program goals and expectations.

Key Performance Indicators

• Flawless Launch | Achieve a flawless execution rate on all programs for a customer product group, ensuring compliance with quality standards and customer expectations.
• Program Profitability | Meet or exceed program financial commitments, including successful implementation of VAVE initiatives that enhance cost efficiency.
• Delivery & Execution | Deliver all program commitments on time, consistently adhering to established timelines and milestones.
• Team Development | Build and develop a high-performing team of cross-functional leaders, fostering influence and collaboration across departments.
• Leadership & Collaboration | Establish and maintain strong internal and external relationships, ensuring effective communication and alignment with all stakeholders.

Key Year One Deliverables

• Establish a disciplined organization that rigorously follows Visteon's formal product development process, ensuring consistency and accountability in program execution.
• Develop a comprehensive two-year plan to meet or exceed overall customer financial targets, including VAVE initiatives across all product lines.
• Drive a culture of quality throughout the organization, building cross-functional support for key quality initiatives and ensuring alignment with customer standards.
• Cultivate strong internal and external relationships, enhancing collaboration and communication with stakeholders to support program success.
• Grow and develop talent within the organization by identifying high-potential team members and implementing targeted development plans to enhance their skills and leadership capabilities.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks throughout the program lifecycle, implementing strategies to address potential challenges and ensure successful outcomes.
• Drive accountability across the organization to ensure all internal and external commitments are met, fostering a culture of responsibility and ownership among team members.

Qualification, Experience, and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; an advanced degree (MBA or Master's in Engineering) is preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in program management within the automotive industry, with a proven track record of successfully managing complex programs from inception to launch.
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities, with experience managing cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• In-depth understanding of automotive product development processes, including VAVE, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets, financial forecasting, and achieving profitability targets.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools, with a strong ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in building and maintaining strong customer relationships, with a commitment to customer satisfaction and quality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Commitment to driving continuous improvement initiatives and fostering a culture of quality and innovation.
• Strong decision-making capabilities, with the ability to analyze complex information, evaluate options, and make informed choices that drive program success and align with organizational goals.

Key Leadership Behaviors

• Lead from the Front
• Build Strong Teams
• Inspire Change
• Lead the Market
• Critical Thinking

Reporting Structure: Reports to Program Director, OEM Customer.

Visteon Culture: If you thrive in a fast-paced, organizational culture that requires agility, adaptability, and a growth mindset from its employees to thrive and stay ahead of the curve, Visteon is the place. We value high performance and a drive for results. Innovation, risk-taking, and continuous learning help us keep up with the ever-changing landscape of our industry and be Market leaders. At Visteon, you can be more.