Requirements:

Essential

minimum of a Bachelor of Science / Engineering Degree in a related technical field. 5 years’ experience with launching new product development programs, including working directly with the customer Working knowledge of the investment casting business Investment casting experience in Howmet or competitor manufacturing facilities qualifying new programs.  Program management experience is desired but is not required. 

Desirable

This program manager would benefit from coming from an engineering/technical background, to have a good understanding of the investment casting process. To understand part flow, lead times, issues and support problem solving etc. Self-confidence balanced with tact to challenge functional leaders to keep their commitments. Candidate must be self-driven with an acute sense of urgency.   

Skills and Abilities:

Outstanding interpersonal skills are required to manage often difficult circumstances in which team members may disagree with the overall direction of the project or individuals within the team. Candidate must have ability to manage the customer by tactfully requiring timely information, selling recovery approaches, and minimising customer reactions to project delays by instilling confidence in Howmet’s proposed approach. Ability to create and think through complex development program plans and identify and resolve gaps / risk before they cause issues. Outstanding organisational skills and discipline to build project plans with the ability to also look at the macro view subjectively.

An opportunity has arisen for a NPI Program Manager within the Exeter Casting Engineering Department. The NPI and Production Program Manager is responsible for the successful execution of new product and existing product programs within the Exeter Casting and Core facilities, as well as Outplant Suppliers. 

This role involves leading cross-functional teams, ensuring timely delivery, meeting financial objectives, and exceeding customer expectations.

Responsibilities:

Program Management and Execution

Lead cross-functional teams to develop and execute NPI and production programs through all phases, utilising the PM tools. For NPI programs: Lead teams through the development phases, from award phase to first set production launch, using the APQP tollgate process. For Production programs: Lead teams through program execution phase, from program assignment to scope of work completion. Work with leadership and cross-functional teams to create and implement comprehensive plans for program execution. Maintain NPI revenue target file and periodically report the growth metric status to the leadership. Deploy and utilise the APQP process for new products, adhere to business procedures and unite key functions to work collaboratively towards timely completion of all APQP deliverables. Resolve functional area disconnects by addressing conflicts and ensuring clear communication and alignment between functional areas. Participate on risk assessment process and monitor fulfilment progress of open risks and mitigation actions. Manage the key program documentation, maintain programs issue log, and ensure traceability of the program key milestones and decisions. Regularly report the status of the NPI portfolio to the leadership.

Customer Management

Ensure customer deliverables are met and maintain strong communication. Drive weekly reviews with customers and report on key deliverables. Ensure timely acquisition of required information from customers. Coordinate and participate in customer visits. Facilitate recurring program review meetings with cross-functional teams.

Team Leadership and Execution

Lead cross-functional teams in program execution meetings to ensure timely completion of tasks. Assign specific points of contact. Delegate tasks and responsibilities to team members to address issues and open items. Ensure clear communication  Distribute meeting minutes, notes, assignments, and highlights to keep the team informed. Update the broader organisation on the progress and status of each program. Provide regular updates to executive management and ensure their engagement. Analyse and track program performance and metrics for new products in compliance with the defined APQP Phase Gate Review toolset. Involve key functions in lessons learned exercises and contribute to continuous improvement. Facilitate issue resolution. Engage senior management and executive leadership to address unresolved issues and risks.

Process Deployment and Toolset Utilisation

Deploy Howmet's program management process and toolset: Implement and utilise Howmet's established processes and tools. Lead PM process deployment: Ensure adherence to key PM processes and practices. Lead software toolset deployment: Implement and utilise the program management software toolset.