Project Management Specialist (10076) (Chattanooga, TN, US, 37416)

Position has responsibility to define and successfully implement a long-term production concept that supports to produce the right models in a highly utilized and efficient plant.
The position requires a high degree of collaboration with stakeholders of Project Management, Planning, Logistics, Pilot Hall, Manufacturing, R&D, Purchasing, Finance and the Product Line.
In this position you report to the Director of Project Managment.

Production Concept

• Develop a plant production strategy. Define and track measures for its implementation.
• Evaluate the optimum product portfolio for the plant and actively drive relevant decision making
• Define, continuously update and improve overall plant capacity and plant efficiency
• Develop measures to reduce plant costs and minimize capital investment required
• Ensure optimization of manufacturing flow and manufacturing depth
• Coordinate design for manufacturing and value engineering ideas with R&D (until Milestone PM)
• Ensure synergies and alignment with other vehicle projects through benchmarking
• Create line layouts and pre-planning discussions
• Align activities with relevant stakeholders in Chattanooga Operations, North America Region, China, and Wolfsburg

Planning Round

• Evaluate and compile initiatives for future product portfolio scenarios.
• Support activities and evaluations for the VW-Planungsrunde (in cooperation with CF-C and PMP-W)
• Initiate and check plausibility of relevant evaluations and feasibility studies
• Create budgetary estimates for new projects
• Develop ramp up curves to support new product launches while maintaining production requirements
• Generate shift model scenarios to support production changes and future changes in automotive industry
• Support strategic discussions for North America Region(NAR) manufacturing facilities and potential partnerships
• Support activities concerning incentive packages for new products and facilities in Chattanooga
• Track and align evaluations and feasibility studies

Overall

• Ensure synergies and alignment with other vehicle projects
• Support the improvement of Project Management maturity within VWGoA
• Identify and mitigate project risks 
• Coordinate and organize status meetings with Executive Stakeholders (PSC, Pilothall, Launchteam)
• Drive and synchronize activities with VW-Headquarter in WOB
• Implement Project Management activities within the project (meeting preparation, documentation, follow-ups)
• Provide clear input to the project team and ensure efficient collaboration
• Track invest, plant costs and launch costs including alignment before submission
• Compile project information for VW project committees 
• Control project performance (cost, quality, time) to support project implementation within the approved budget
• Represent Production in NAR Product Team, Produkt Klausur, and other product related meetings

Required

• 5-10 years’ experience in manufacturing
• Leadership skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a Business related field of study, or equivalent relavent experience 
• Extensive understanding of planning and production processes
• Cross functional understanding and experience throughout the product development process
• Knowledge and work experience with other regions
• Outstanding communication skills
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes
• Experience with business case justification, presentation, and approval

Preferred

• Experience and leadership skills in matrix organizations
• Advanced degree
• Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2)
• Knowledge and work experience with VW
• German language skills
• Automotive manufacturing experience
• Experience in technical project management with projects >100M