Supplier Technical Assistance - Program Manager: Manufacturing & Launch (Underbody)

Seeking a highly motivated and skilled Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) Engineer to join our team, focusing on Underbody Programs. This role is critical for ensuring Supplier Readiness focusing on Quality.

 A successful candidate will work to ensure flawless launches by driving Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities, assessing manufacturing feasibility, and leading industrialization efforts for new components and technologies within the underbody domain. The successful candidate will collaborate extensively with suppliers and cross-functional teams to mitigate risks and ensure robust quality and capacity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Train suppliers and cross-functional team members, as required, on the Supplier Engagement Process and APQP/PPAP Readiness Assessment.
• Identify and manage all New Tooled End Items (NTEI) for assigned Underbody programs, including multi-party agreements and directed tier 2 suppliers.
• Proactively monitor, manage, and escalate significant issues inhibiting supplier PPAP completion and overall launch risks.
• Lead and track the on-time completion of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) deliverables and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) status and submission requirements from the supply base.
• Develop and manage industrialization plans for new components, technologies, and new supplier locations, ensuring manufacturing readiness.
• Conduct robust sourcing risk assessments, particularly for new technologies and complex commodities, and identify appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
• Drive resolution of all critical (YELLOW/RED) APQP deliverables with cross-functional team members and the supply base.
• Arrange and lead cross-functional meetings to drive PPAP issue resolution and manage action plans to assure on-time Part Submission Warrant (PSW) approvals.
• Support and understand Parts Pedigree Risk and Industrialization Readiness Assessments for each build.
• Drive resolution of supplier quality issue Read Across: including containment, 8D follow-up, and root cause analysis (ICA/PCA).
• Collaborate with Component Program Module Team (CPMT) leaders and Purchasing Program managers to understand program-related timing.

Requirements and Knowledge:

• Bachelor of Science/Engineering or academic equivalent.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) methodologies and disciplines.

• Proficiency in English (written and verbal) to effectively communicate with global teams.

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and process control, particularly relevant to underbody components.
• Familiarity with quality tools and systems (e.g., Problem Solving tools, Lean principles, GPDS).
• Understanding of new program launch milestones and systems.
• Availability to travel

Key Experiences:

• MUST-Manufacturing and Launch experience.
• Experience in Project Management, Program Launch, or Supplier Site Management.
• Demonstrated understanding of Safe Launch, APQP, PPAP, and Industrialization.
• Cross-functional/cross-cultural work experience.
• Experience working effectively with Supply Chain, Product Development and Manufacturing teams.

Job Base Location - GTBC (Lomas Verdes, Naucalpan de Juarez - Estado de México)

DISCLAIMER: Ford Motor Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, as we are committed with a diverse workforce, and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran and basis of disability.