Program Manager II

About this position Description: Position Summary: The Program Manager II must have the industry experience/knowledge required to manage complicated product development projects and be in a position to mentor less experienced Program Managers. The Program Manager II is responsible for the coordination of all activities related to the fulfillment of assigned customer orders for commercial aircraft passenger seats, from the time a program is handed over by the Sales department until program closure. The primary focus of the Program Manager is to ensure complete satisfaction of assigned customers with the RECARO Aircraft Seating products and services, maintaining cost, quality and schedule control, as well as RECARO’s quality and design standards. The Program Manager II has primary responsibility to maintain program on time performance, quality, cost and weight targets. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Manage complex programs from sales handover to program closure with complete responsibility over cost, timeline, scope and quality of the product. Full Certification Testing (incl HIC) Complex IFE Installations High Level Customers Complex Seat Layouts Unique customer requested design solutions Advise the PMI/Assistant PM regarding the aforementioned items Maintain overall program timeline to support agreed due dates at all times Develop full‑scale project plan in MS Project Manage ZACSA Manage MS Tracking database updates Negotiate due date changes with OEM and customers Define project scope, goals and deliverables that support overall program baseline in collaboration with project team, senior management and stakeholders Manage program scope and assess impact of scope changes Communicate with customers and stakeholders Manage Master Change Proposals Manage program budget and coordinate budget changes as necessary Service bulletin coordination Program documentation Program action items (both internal and external) Program team meeting minutes Program checklist Audit files and results MCP and purchase order filing Program milestone meeting documentation including agenda and meeting minutes PSC/ISPC presentations Concessions and commitment letters through OEM product support processes Manage program team to achieve project results Lead program task and team meetings efficiently Follow up on open items with each individual prior to their due date Agree and maintain OEM submittal requirements and due dates Estimate resources and participants required to achieve project goals; negotiate with department managers for support of required personnel Identify and manage project dependencies and critical path; continually manage project expectations with team members and stakeholders Resolve issues and conflicts within the project team; when not solved in team meetings, escalates per the escalation process Define priorities within the project and agree on delegation of tasks and responsibilities to appropriate personnel with clear accountability Supervise all BFE activities, including the timely placement and receipt of BFE orders required for CDR, test and production seats Ensure IFE test equipment is loaded with correct software level and is functioning properly to test the required system within contract specifications Overall program performance management Primary focal for ITCM, PDR, CDR and other technical meetings Organize implementation of FAI open items Interface with OEM contact and provide regular program progress reports to ensure complete visibility of program at all times Continuously monitor OEM ratings and negotiate or correct as required Report program difficulties to the program review board and implement decisions from review board Determine the frequency and content of status reports from the project team, analyze results, and troubleshoot problem areas Adhere to Department processes and procedures Actively participate in team and PMO meetings to support process upgrades or develop new processes/procedures Develop and adhere to program management guidelines and standards for project execution Prepare project audits and implement risk analysis using Recaro standards and tools Conduct project post‑mortems and create recommendation reports to identify successful and unsuccessful project elements (as part of lessons learned practice) Obtain regular input from customers through surveys in accordance with department processes Take on the role as a mentor for less experienced colleagues (Assistant Program Manager/Program Manager I) Provide training for Program Management Processes Assist in customer meetings/preparations for customer meetings Aid in the preparation of program presentations Provide availability for question/answer sessions Requirements Education/Experience Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required. A degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Electrical Engineering is preferred with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a Program Management role. A Master’s degree is a plus. Additional Skills Strong, proven customer relations skills High‑level understanding of engineering concepts and FAA certification procedures for commercial aircraft seats Strong negotiation skills and the ability to positively influence customer decisions while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction Proven track record of meeting commitments Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to exercise mature judgment Ability to multi‑task and operate in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment; excellent organization skills Excellent internal and external communication and presentation skills Ability to take initiative and work with minimum supervision Multicultural background is a plus Travel Requirements Employees are expected to travel up to 25% of the time; both national and international travel may be required. #J-18808-Ljbffr