Spec Program Mgr

Job Summary: 

The Technology Program Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing Smart Factory initiatives that improve operational efficiency, productivity, quality, inventory management, and decision-making through digital transformation, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies. This role leads a portfolio of projects involving IoT, automation, AI, data integration, dashboards, AMRs/AGVs, digital workflows, and manufacturing systems while coordinating resources across engineering, production, maintenance, IT, OneCIS, third-party vendors, and corporate partners. The position ensures projects deliver measurable business results aligned with company strategic objectives.

Core competencies, Knowledge, Skills & Education:

• Safety-minded


• Strong continuous improvement skill set


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all team members and external parties

• Leadership
  
  
  
  • Strong project leadership skills
  
  
  • Ability to influence without direct authority
  
  
  • Team facilitation and stakeholder management
  
  
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  
  
  • Effective at providing guidance and direction as required
  
  
  • Self-directed with a strong attention to detail
  
  
  
  

• Cross functional leadership - Facilitate communication between stakeholders and leadership teams.

• Technical Knowledge – at conceptual level
  
  
  
  • Manufacturing processes
  
  
  • Industrial automation
  
  
  • PLC and controls fundamentals
  
  
  • Manufacturing execution systems
  
  
  • IoT and data collection technologies
  
  
  • AI and digital transformation concepts
  
  
  • Systems integration principles
  
  
  
  


• Business Skills
  
  
  
  • Strategic planning
  
  
  • Budget development
  
  
  • CAPEX justification
  
  
  • ROI analysis
  
  
  • Risk management
  
  
  • KPI development
  
  
  
  


• Project Management
  
  
  
  • Project scheduling
  
  
  • Resource planning
  
  
  • Vendor management
  
  
  • Scope management
  
  
  • Change control
  
  
  • Continuous improvement methodologies
  
  
  
  

Major Accountabilities:

• Develop and maintain the Smart Factory roadmap aligned with company strategy and operational needs.

• Manage Smart Factory projects from concept through implementation, including schedules, milestones, budgets, resources, scope, and change control.


• Develop business cases, including ROI, project benefits, CAPEX planning, approvals, risk management, and KPI tracking.


• Monitor project status, communicate progress to leadership, and lead project reviews or governance meetings.


• Coordinate cross-functional communication among engineering, production, maintenance, IT, OneCIS, vendors, and other stakeholders.


• Drive adoption of new systems and technologies through training plans, workforce upskilling, and change management.


• Provide leadership and support to the Smart Factory task force, including setting priorities, facilitating teamwork, and supporting continuous improvement.


• Ensure compliance with safety expectations, TGFS mission, vision, core values, TG policies, procedures, Hoshin activities, and IATF requirements.


• Support process improvement by collecting and analyzing data, implementing preventive and corrective actions, and promoting digital innovation.


• Perform additional duties as assigned by senior leadership.

Working Conditions:

• 75% office, 25% plant floor.


• Must work scheduled hours, including weekends and overtime as needed.

Safety & PPE Requirements on the plant floor:

• Glasses required in production areas


• Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes required


• Hair reaching shoulder length must be secured behind head in production areas


• High visibility clothing in required areas


• All other required PPE as outlined

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Automation, Information Systems, or related field.


• 5+ years of project management experience.


• 5+ years of manufacturing experience.


• Experience implementing automation, Industry 4.0, Smart Factory, or digital transformation projects.


• PMP certification .


• Understanding of IATF system requirement preferred


• Lean / TPS experience preferred.


• Knowledge of data visualization and analytics platforms.


• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications


• Knowledge of JDE desired

Required Training:

• FUEL Challenge Leadership Training (if available)


• TG Legal Compliance


• Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion


• Phishing and Cybersecurity Basics


• Hazcom


• PPE


• 5S/2S1Y


• LOTO Affected User


• STOP 7


• Fire & Weather Safety


• Stormwater Awareness


• Proper Labeling & Storage of Chemicals


• Proper Lifting/2-man Lifting


• Light Curtains & Safety Devices