Senior Program Manager

Founded in 1946, HI-LEX is a leading supplier of window regulators, door modules, power lift gate systems, and mechanical control cables primarily serving the automotive industry, but also the power sports, marine, construction equipment, and medical device sectors. Headquartered in Takarazuka, Japan (near Osaka), and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), HI-LEX employs more than 12,000 associates across its global footprint. 

In the Americas region, HI-LEX has grown steadily in the region, and now has ten (10) manufacturing facilities across the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. In the U.S., HI-LEX operates under three divisions: HI-LEX America in Battle Creek, Michigan; HI-LEX Controls in Hudson, Litchfield, and Hazel Park, Michigan; and Daedong HI-LEX of America in Cusseta, Alabama. The company’s automotive center is in Rochester Hills, Michigan which consists of Finance, Sales, Engineering, Testing, Program Management, Human Resources, Purchasing and IT. 
Website:  HI-LEX.com

POSITION SUMMARY:
A Senior Program Manager at HI-LEX is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the Program Management Office (PMO) and Program management structure at HI-LEX.  This role is also responsible for leading large-scale projects and programs within that same framework. This role is charged with building and executing the mission vision and objectives of the product development and launch process, coaching, mentoring and training the Customer and Plant Program Managers to achieve excellence in the developed framework.   The individual also will effectively manage cross functional teams by influentially leading, coaching and mentoring the team to execute with excellence.  Sr. Program Manager Corporate lead sets the example of program management for the organization in the ability to deliver on results while exhibiting behaviors that encourage others to deliver at the same level.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Organize PM activities to meet the companies PM Department Objective
• Author, collaborate and support development of process, procedures, tools and templates to continue to improve PMOS. 
• Conduct and lead program gate audits for active development programs
• Measure and Track metrics for the broader organization to establish proactive action
• Indirect leader for cross functional project team expected to inspire, teach, grow, and develop the cross functional team. Leverage matrix leadership to drive project level results through influential leadership.  
• Collaborate with plant program managers, aligning on expectations and results to deliver projects.
• Lead core functional deliverables:
• Program timeline
• Program gate workbooks
• Program financial health and roadmap
• Product Change Control (end to end)
• Part / Tool / Quality Management 
• Individual strategic project leadership and crisis management. Ability to engage when necessary to lead a team through a crisis or a strategic project and execute with excellence.
• Coach, mentor and train leading all aspects of program management including: cross functional team leadership, procedure / policy compliance, project timing planning, project metrics, finance planning, proactive / reactive project metrics, agile problem solving and influential people leadership.
• Coach, mentor and train customer and plant program managers in areas such as, but not limited to, policy, procedure, tool utilization, problem solving techniques, customer relationship management.  Sr. Program managers may be required to engage in complex or high visibility issues.  
• Author, collaborate and support development of process, procedures, tools and templates to continue to improve the program management operating system. 
   

Education 

• Required:  Bachelors in Engineering (BS) or Equivalent
• Desired:  Masters in Engineering, MBA or Equivalent

Functional Experience

• 10 years program management experience leading projects that have direct interface with OEM and Tiered customers as well as manufacturing centers.
• Trained and practiced in APQP / AIAG tools, process and procedures

Industry Experience

• 15 years Automotive Experience

Core Competencies

• Ability to develop and mentor others. 
• Ability to drive strategic direction. 
• Oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to build collaborative relationships. 
• Detail oriented. Ability to meet deadlines. 
• Project management skills.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods, usually at a desk or meetings.
• Ability to view computer monitors, read documents, and analyze data for long periods.
• Light lighting/carrying - occasionally lifting office supplies, files or equipment up to 25 pounds.