Program Manager II/III

NO PHONE CALLS OR AGENCIES/SEARCH FIRM INQUIRIES.

 

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Thales is a leading international manufacturer of in-flight entertainment systems for both Boeing, Airbus commercial aircraft and regional aircraft. The company is known for its technical innovation, quality service and commitment to customers and employees. In 2003, Thales introduced to world airlines its new digital IFE system called TopSeries. This product and comprehensive support package has put the company into a high growth, strong competitive position. Thales expects to capture 50% of the available IFE market over the next 3 years.

 

PROGRAM MANAGER II/III

 

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of a Director, Program Management or a Program Manager IV, a Program Manager II / III manages the execution of a small and/or medium sized programs, with low to moderate complexity from Sales transition handover through delivery of the final aircraft and closure of commitment letter items.  Good understanding of customer technical, schedule and programmatic requirements, as well as the technology and product development necessary to carry out the program to meet customer expectations. Responsible for the cost and schedule performance and risk management for assigned programs. Coordinates with internal Thales organizations, such as the Business Unit (BU), Technical Business Unit (TBU) and Avionics Services Worldwide (ASW) to communicate customer requirements and execute the program with technical accuracy, consistency and profitability. External communication is required with the customer, aircraft manufacturer and seat manufacturer for the assigned programs.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

 

1. Conduct all business in an honest and transparent manner with high ethical standards.

 

2. Support the WINBID process for Sales and Bid Management, by assisting with Program Management bid inputs, risk identification and technical response coordination.

 

3. Participate in the transition handover meeting from Sales and Bid Management to Program Management.

 

4. Assist in the identification and establishment of a cross-functional program team in accordance with the established Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).

 

5. Develop the program Bill of Materials (BOM).  Identify risk areas and seek to stabilize the BOM as early in the program as possible.

 

6. Conduct the internal preparation activities for the Initial Technical Coordination Meeting (ITCM) for the program.  Participation in the internal pre-ITCM and the ITCM at the aircraft manufacturer’s site is required.

 

7. Conduct the internal program Kick Off Meeting (KOM) to facilitate communication of the airline customer expectations, and the delivery schedule for parts and documentation necessary for seat components and aircraft linefit and retrofit installation parts.

 

8. Ensure Internal Purchase Orders (IPOs) are released in a timely manner within normal production lead times, to the maximum extent allowed by the customer agreement.

 

9. Direct and oversee program activities to assure the accomplishment of program objectives in a profitable way that meets or exceeds customer and Thales expectations.

 

10. For new programs, implement the Manage Program (MAP) program tracking tool.  Once the MAP is set up, maintain and update of the program MAP on a frequent basis.  Ensure that accurate program records are maintained in accordance with current document retention and filing processes.

 

11. Maintain a program master schedule including key program milestones, technical data deliverables and critical path decision gates, such as color selections by the customer, cable length definition by the seat supplier and aircraft manufacturer.

 

12. Conduct regular program team meetings to review schedule performance, cost performance BOM status, risk areas and customer satisfaction.  Risk management is a key role of a program manager inclusive of documentation in accordance with the current risk management tracking tools.

 

13. Routinely assess program financial profit and loss data for the assigned program.  Monitor non-recurring cost expenditures for BU, TBU and ASW to ensure alignment with program budgets and spending plan.  Manage budget changes, monitor actual expenditures and estimate financials at program completion as well as the work remaining to complete the program.  Coordinate closely with finance.

 

14. Correspond directly with the external airline customer, aircraft manufacturer and seat supplier as directed and approved by the supervising Program Manager.  Ensure all correspondence is high quality, accurate and timely and respects the intellectual property agreements in place.

 

15. Prepare for, and participate in,  program milestone meetings such as Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs), Critical Design Reviews (CDRs), First Article Inspections (FAIs), Program Management Reviews (PMRs) and other applicable meetings.

 

16. Coordinate with the Program Control Administrator (PCA) assigned to the program to ensure that parts are being shipped to the seat manufacturers, aircraft manufacturers and maintenance facilities, as applicable, in accordance with commitments.

 

17. Assist the Finance Department in the receipt of Purchase Orders (POs) from airline customers and aircraft manufacturers.  Ensure POs are received in advance of committed shipping dates to avoid potential revenue gaps and customer satisfaction issues.

 

18. Support the delivery phase of Thales IFE products at the aircraft manufacturer assembly line in the case of linefit or at the maintenance/modification facility in the case of a retrofit program. This culminates with the Transfer of Title (TOT) for linefit and final customer acceptance for retrofit programs.

 

19. Draft a Commitment Letter (CL) addressed to the customer, if necessary, to document open issues with Thales IFE at the time of delivery.  Assist in the follow-up and closure of open items in accordance with commitments made to the customer.  Mitigate Thales financial exposure on penalties associated with CL open items.

 

20. Prepare and conduct the transition handover meeting from Program Management to ASW before customer aircraft are ready to enter service.  Participate in the transition meeting.

 

21. Utilize the Program Change Order (PCO) process to facilitate updates against the baseline customer agreement.  Ensure thorough coordination with the customer to verify that expectations are met.

 

22. Participate in training opportunities to enhance skills required to perform this job.

 

23. Carry out special projects and support assignments such as process improvements, ISO audit preparation, writing position papers, tiger teams, ISO audits, cabin integration etc. as directed by management.

 

24. Assist in the support of budgets and resource planning for assigned programs.

 

25. Support Thales initiatives, such as the LEAN Enterprise commitment, as directed by management.

 

26. Conduct lessons learned on programs or program elements in which there has been a lack of success or failure encountered.  Document and present the results in accordance with the approved process.

 

27. Domestic and international travel is required for this position, depending on the specific program assignment.

 

The preceding functions have been provided as examples of the type of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification.  Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; five to six years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Thales Avionics offers competitive salaries and excellent benefit package.  Please apply only if your qualifications meet these criteria.

 

Thales Avionics is a diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.  Pre-Employment Drug test will be required before starting in the position.

 

Please send your resume to: thaleshr@us.thalesgroup.com