Plant Program Manager - Akebono Brake Coporation : Job Details

Purpose/SummaryThe primary function is to lead and manage, with minimal input from the manager, the cross-functional APQP and launch team (90 days after SOP) within the framework of the ABC Quality Management System (QMS). The position will oversee multiple programs, ensuring on-time delivery of all APQP, launch, and limited financial performance aspects related to the project.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Overall APQP and launch responsibility, in accordance with ABC QMS and official APQP guidelines. Acts as the main conduit between Akebono manufacturing plants, the corporate facilities (AEC), and the customer regarding APQP, launch, and delivery activities. Will be on-site at manufacturing locations as needed to coordinate APQP and launch activities.
• Define, generate, and manage component and sub-system timing, including roll-up timing for Akebono plants, suppliers, and customer milestones.
• Lead cross-functional APQP meetings with internal teams, customers, and suppliers.
• Manage and track open issues affecting the APQP process, milestones, and deliverables.
• Ensure on-time delivery (OTD) and cost adherence (In-Cost) for all key APQP elements, develop recovery plans for late items or cost overruns, and escalate issues as appropriate.
• Provide the Voice of Manufacturing during customer program reviews as defined by Akebono APQP and QMS.
• Generate and present program reviews to executive management using standard formats.
• Manage all program elements within the ABC QMS framework.
• Contribute business input to program change requests, with authority to approve or reject.
• Support activities until 90 days post-SOP, including coordinating customer builds, defining prototype strategies with manufacturing and engineering, and managing the supply chain's OTD, capital equipment, and tooling for product launch.
• Oversee process sign-off, PTR, and PPAP submissions, and manage/resolve production delivery concerns during safe-launch activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education And/or Experience

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business from a four-year college or university, with over 5 years of program management experience, preferably related to foundation brake and/or friction material engineering. Familiarity with the customer product development process is required.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong leadership skills including decision-making, team motivation, communication, and role modeling for process adherence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and MS Project.
• Ability to interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Excellent presentation skills for top management, public groups, and boards.
• Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with customers and represent Akebono interests.
• Strong analytical skills, including mathematical concepts, problem-solving, and data interpretation.

Supervisory Responsibilities

May act as a proxy for department manager/director as requested.

Physical Demands/Environment

Regularly sit, use hands, reach, and communicate. Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Exposure to moving mechanical parts, weather, and vibration. Moderate noise level.

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