Product Development Program Manager (Technical)

Auto req ID: 57518
Title: Product Development Program Manager (Technical)
Job Function: Engineering
Location: PDC
Workplace Category: Onsite
Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Shift: SHIFT1

In 1903, out of a small shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, four young men lit a cultural wildfire that would grow and spread across geographies and generations. Their innovation and imagination for what was possible on two wheels sparked a transportation revolution that would make Harley-Davidson the most recognizable motorcycle brand in the world. Today, we continue to define motorcycle culture, evoking soul-stirring emotion reflected in every product and experience we deliver - like we have for well over a century and will for generations to come. Are you ready to ride with us?

The Harley-Davidson Motor Company Product Development Center (PDC) located in Wauwatosa, WI is home to the mantra - You dream it. We build it. Join our team as a Product Development Program Manager (Technical).

Job Summary

The Product Development Technical Program Manager owns program operations and leads project teams in all phases of H-D motorcycle product development including planning, design, verification, production validation, and production launch. The Technical Program Manager works within the Product Line Engineering (PLE) team and serves as the expert in program execution while partnering with the Product Line Engineering Manager to remove barriers and focus teams on what is most critical to deliver value to the customer.

Job Responsibilities

THIS role:

• Owns motorcycle and accessory program/project health
• Manages program targets, requirements, and approvals
• Executes program to deliver requirements and metrics for success
• Builds strong connections with cross-functional peers
• Creates clarity to enable empowered program decisions
• A vocal advocate for the Program Leadership Team & Quality & CI

WHAT You Do

• Critical Path Plan: Establish, manage, and drive the program-level critical path via a deep understanding of crucial deliverables and cross-functional timing interdependencies (e.g. design and tooling release dates, supplier selection, build events, etc.). Provide options to maintain program timing and health when faced with challenges. Use previous program & design delivery experience to draw the critical path and interdependencies from other people's plans.
• Risk & Issue Management: Leverage technical knowledge to actively identify program-level risks & issues and steps to mitigate. Ensure cross-functional alignment on risks & issues with program implications understood, clear ownership, effective prioritization and actions that efficiently drive resolution.
• Resource Management: Own the resource management process for the program. Monitor health and identify issues that affect the program through its duration.
• Metrics: Oversee and drive the program to meaningful metrics that provide a clear line of sight to program health. Measure and communicate results versus plan for proactive mitigation and continuous improvement.
• Program Operations: Run the day-to-day business of the program including cross-functional meetings (Program Leadership Teams (PLT), Townhalls, Workshops, etc.), communications (Program Scorecard, Leadership Updates, Milestone Presentations, etc.), and critical path timing (Cross-functional inputs, interdependencies, etc.) to ensure effective operation. Work collaboratively with the PLE Chief and Manager
  Operating Model Execution: Lead the H-D Product Development Process (PDP) to ensure intent is met and rigor and documentation is scaled according to associated value and risk.

HOW You Work

• Program Culture: Consistently center the team on what is most important and why. Mitigate dysfunction and waste by continually refining program operations to ensure efficient, consistent, and effective execution (e.g., process, tools, communications). Clarify who is responsible for deliverables and timing and hold them accountable. Empower individuals and get decisions made at lowest level practical and ensure all stakeholders at all levels embrace their primary role.
• Engagement: Build critical cross-functional support and alliances to drive engagement and energy. Amid chaos lead by example, provide stable ground, drive progress and celebrate wins! Identify and fill gaps by connecting individuals with relevant experts for help. Provide clarity throughout the program.
• Program Leader: As a member of the Program Leadership Team, provide the "voice of program success".

Education Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Required

Education Specifications

Bachelor's Degree Required. Technical or Engineering degree preferred.


Experience Requirements

Typically requires a minimum of 1-3 years of related experience.

• Design engineering and product development delivery is highly recommended.
• Program management experience and/or certification is beneficial.
• Strong understanding of motorcycle components and vehicle system level interactions throughout the phases of product development.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead complex projects with proficiency in the use of program management methodologies and tools.
• Demonstrated application of program management principles that have led to the successful creation or change of product development processes.
• Demonstrated experience inspiring others to continuously improve execution to improve quality and streamline work.
• Demonstrated accomplishment in coaching, mentoring, and leading individuals/teams resulting in the attainment of business objectives.
• Ability to manage, track, and communicate technical information in a clear, concise, and understandable manner to a broad group of stakeholders.

The pay range shown represents the national average pay range for this role. Your pay may be more or less than the stated range and is dependent on your geographic location and level of experience.

We offer an inclusive compensation package for all full-time salaried employees including, but not limited to, annual bonus programs, health insurance benefits, a 401k program, onsite fitness centers and employee stores, employee discounts on products and accessories, and more. Learn more about Harley-Davidson here.


Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Direct Reports: No
Travel Required: 0 - 10%
Pay Range: $76,200 - $114,300
Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer
Relocation: This position is eligible for domestic relocation assistance (within posted country)