Supervisor, VAA Strategy and Planning

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. From breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features, we are turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard. As Supervisor, VAA Strategy and Planning , you will play a key role in shaping the future of Value Added Assemblers (VAA) across program planning, cost optimization, supplier strategy, and manufacturing integration. In this role, you will lead a team responsible for advancing VAA strategy in support of new vehicle programs, plant integration, and enterprise cost performance. You will also serve as a critical link across Manufacturing Engineering, program teams, suppliers, finance, purchasing, and plant stakeholders to ensure VAA strategies are aligned, executable, and financially competitive. What You’ll Do Lead VAA strategy and planning for new vehicle launches and ongoing business needs Serve as the primary point of contact for VAA planning, strategy, and cross-functional issue resolution Provide leadership and direction to a team responsible for VAA planning deliverables, business processes, and strategic execution Drive cost target development for VAA modules, including capital, tooling, M&E, launch, and trial part cost assumptions Build and enhance costing tools, templates, and databases to improve forecast accuracy and support future program planning Support sourcing strategy development, including supplier footprint optimization, single-sourcing evaluations, and business case development Integrate VAA headcount, steady-state, and related operating metrics into enterprise tools, scorecards, and manufacturing reporting systems Partner with Manufacturing Integration Managers, Manufacturing Excellence, Finance, Purchasing, and program teams to align VAA assumptions with plant and enterprise objectives Provide VAA subject matter expertise during technical reviews, sourcing reviews, and program planning discussions Coordinate and support PFMEA workshops, process reviews, and standardized work development across VAA-related activities Establish, maintain, and continuously improve VAA processes, timelines, RASICs, work instructions, and governance documents Ensure VAA content is represented in design, manufacturing, and launch discussions with plants, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders Support execution teams by defining critical planning inputs, control documentation, and readiness expectations early and ensuring on-time delivery Build strong working relationships with plant teams, third-party suppliers, and internal functional partners to drive accountability and collaboration What You’ll Bring Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, program planning, launch, industrial engineering, supplier strategy, or related disciplines Experience leading cross-functional projects and driving alignment across multiple stakeholders Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving skills Experience in cost development, business case support, or financial analysis tied to manufacturing or supplier operations Strong communication, presentation, and team leadership skills Experience developing processes, tools, or standardized work to improve operational consistency and decision-making Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced program environment Willingness to travel to assembly plants and supplier facilities as needed Preferred Qualifications Experience with VAA commodities, module sourcing, or third-party assembly operations Strong understanding of manufacturing launch processes and supplier integration Experience with capital, tooling, and M&E cost estimation Experience integrating operational metrics into scorecards, dashboards, or enterprise reporting tools Background in sourcing strategy, supplier consolidation, or cost optimization initiatives Plant experience and understanding of assembly operations Working knowledge of GVDP and related GM manufacturing processes Engineering degree preferred #J-18808-Ljbffr General Motors