Innovation Program Manager

Job Number: 53310
Group: Magna Seating
Division: Magna Seating Novi
Job Type: Permanent/Regular
Location: NOVI
Group Description
Magna is an innovative leader in the development and manufacturing of high quality complete seating systems. Our solution includes seating structures, mechanisms and hardware, as well as foam and trim products for global automotive, heavy truck and bus industries. Our capabilities include market and consumer research; full concept development; design and engineering capabilities; testing, validation and world-class manufacturing. Our award-winning seating solutions are developed from consumer research, finding the ease of operation to be comfortable, convenient and connected.
Role Summary
Serves as overall facilitator for development of the product and/or projects. Plans and directs all activities relating to the Innovation Development Process (Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Product Directors, Purchasing and Manufacturing engineering). Promotes coordination and communication of program team and extended team members. Conducts program-specific reviews.
Key Responsibilities
• Responsible for highly complex innovative engineering programs.• Leads the program team and provides guidance to engineering, manufacturing, costing, purchasing, and sales staff.• Responsible for direct reports (ie, Prototype Shop Lead and Project Coordinator).• Conduct performance reviews for direct reports.• Manages the product program proactively to ensure timing and IDP objectives are met for internal & external customers and Magna Seating milestones.• Identify potential value streams and create manufacturing process for Innovation projects where there are many unknowns.• Develop / create cost models for Innovation projects (must rely on assumptions and use engineering judgement in many cases). • Balance technical trade-offs and business imperatives in order to advance innovation projects. • Identify and develop relationships with potential suppliers, including co-authoring and negotiating terms of Joint Development and Exclusivity Agreements along with Royalty's for Innovation with legal team.• Identifies and communicates barriers to the successful completion of program milestones to the Director Innovation Engineering on a regular basis and Executive-level Management on an as-needed basis. Develops and implements recovery plans to eliminate barriers.• Interfaces with required functional disciplines and departments for program support.• Implements the Innovation Development Process (IDP) and assures completion of all deliverables. Continually looks to improve upon existing process.• Assures appropriate program planning to confirm that product development is consistent with established program objectives and company needs.• Recommends, monitors, and updates appropriate quality systems for quality and efficiency improvements.• Conducts all phase, executive management reviews.• Creates master program timing that satisfies customer and Magna Seating and requirements for product configuration, costs, performance, and timing.• Facilitates and maintains communications with the customer, Magna Seating staff, and Division Operations for all program activities at all levels.• Responsible for creating and maintaining program management standard working files: (where applicable to Innovation) MCT, Cost-Price tracker, Add-Delete, Tool Tracker, RFC's etc.• Other duties as assigned.• Responsible for Internal / External Audit efforts regarding ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949 Certification for remote site location (Group Office).• Supports the requirements as detailed in Standard Operating Procedure 8000 (Quality Management System).• Review & maintain SOP 5010 (IDP) to continually improve the innovation process.
Key Qualifications/Requirements
• Bachelor's degree (or bachelor's equivalency) in Engineering or related field; or combination of equivalent education and work experience.• Ten (10) years preferred diversified engineering experience or equivalent, as deemed by the Director of Innovation Engineering and Director of Program Management.• Minimum of two (2) full program cycles (from concept to production) or equivalent as deemed by the Director of Program Management.• Must be able to lead the creation of QCR finance models and provide direction to the Costing Team.• Ability to apply academic and other engineering principles in the development of automotive components.• Must demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills, and viable concept development.• Proficient in statistical methods (i.e. APQP, DFSS).• Must be able to apply academic principles and utilize math-based tools. • Knowledge of government and OEM specifications in area of expertise.• Strong organizational skills and the ability to successfully coordinate and complete multiple tasks within and across departments to meet established and changing deadlines.• Strong communication skills: verbal, written, and technical presentations.• Demonstrated successful performance with independent problem solving, presentations, and leadership.• Proficient with word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.• Proven record of delivering results while maximizing program margins from award.• Proficient with engineering design process, material and/or part inventory tracking, developing timelines, tracking costs, monitoring budgets and managing databases. • Must be able to read drawings. Competency in CAD and GD&T.
Additional Information

• Ability to negotiate contracts, develop agreements with internal customers and external suppliers
• Ability to comprehend all aspects of a project to support the development of a strategic business case.
• Gather data to conduct and evaluate a make vs buy analysis.
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