We’re scaling U.S. manufacturing and localizing safety-critical mechanical components. You will own the program plan, cadence, and cross-functional execution for these efforts—plus lead additional operational projects beyond NPI—while maintaining strict confidentiality over program details.

What you’ll do

• Own the plan & cadence: Build integrated master schedules, critical paths, and RAID logs; run weekly program reviews and executive snapshots; keep milestones green or escalate early with options.
• Drive cross-functional execution: Orchestrate Design/Engineering, Supplier Development, Quality, Manufacturing/Operations, SIOP/Planning, Logistics, Finance, and Legal from sourcing through ramp.
• Stage-gate leadership (NPI & localization): Business case → sourcing decision → tooling kickoff → pilot builds/PPAP → launch → ramp stabilization. Enforce entry/exit criteria and change control.
• Supplier & plant readiness: Coordinate trials, FAT/SAT, capacity proofs, PPAP/FAI timing, control plans, and initial production lots; track yields, PPM, and run-at-rate.
• Cost/schedule governance: Build bottoms-up timelines and budgets (tooling, capex, validation, logistics), manage variances, and lead fact-based trade-off decisions with should-cost/TCO inputs.
• Risk management: Maintain quantified risk register; drive mitigation/contingency (dual-source, alternate routings, inventory buffers) for schedule, quality, and regulatory risks.
• Quality & compliance: Align plans to internal specs and applicable standards (e.g., ISO/CPSC), schedule lab tests, and ensure 8D/NCR closures do not slip the critical path.
• Operational projects beyond NPI: Lead additional initiatives (e.g., capacity debottlenecking, cost-down waves, ERP/PLM workflows, facility moves/line installs, logistics transitions) with the same rigor.
• Communications & confidentiality: Publish crisp program visuals and one-page updates; gate external comms under NDA and control document access.

What you’ll bring

• 7+ years managing complex manufacturing or supplier-localization programs (consumer products, powersports/auto, or industrial preferred).
• Demonstrated success delivering NPI and non-NPI ops projects on time and within budget in a factory-centric environment.
• Fluency with APQP/PPAP/FAI, process qualification, capability metrics (Cp/Cpk), and production ramp KPIs (FPY, PPM, run-at-rate).
• Solid grasp of metal/mechanical processes (forging, machining, forming, welding, finishing) to challenge plans and de-risk timelines.
• Strong financial acumen: build/track project budgets, tooling amortization, capex gates, and NPV/IRR-style business cases.
• Tools: MS Project or equivalent (Smartsheet, Asana/Jira), advanced Excel/Sheets, PLM/ERP basics, and clear visual reporting.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, meeting facilitation, and crisp written communication; comfortable presenting to executives.
• Bachelor’s in Engineering or Operations/Industrial Management (or equivalent experience).

Nice-to-haves

• Prior PMO leadership or portfolio management across concurrent programs.
• ISO 9001/IATF 16949 environments; familiarity with layered process audits.
• Experience transferring tools or re-qualifying suppliers domestically.

How we’ll measure success (first 12 months)

• ≥95% milestone on-time across assigned programs (with approved variance plans when needed).
• PPAP/FAI pass-rate ≥90% on first submission for pilot/launch builds.
• Ramp stability: sustained FPY and capacity at or above plan with zero supply-caused line stops.
• Budget adherence: ≤5% variance to approved project budgets/tooling timelines.
• Playbook uplift: standardized dashboards, RAID process, and stage-gate templates rolled out across programs.

Work setup

On-site in Seymour, IN with regular supplier and plant travel. Hands-on time at the line and supplier floor is expected.