Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. Looking for Head of Program Management (St. Thomas, ON) at London, Ontario, Canada Full Time

We love our cars, but it’s the people behind them who make them what they are. To market, sell, and service great cars, we need great people. That’s why at Volkswagen Group Canada, we are passionate about our cars and our brand and foster this same passion and drive in our people. We know that the right people in the right positions can do incredible things, and we love making that happen!

We are currently looking for a Head of Program Management based out of St. Thomas, ON

Our mission has started. Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory in St. Thomas will carry out all battery activities – from processing raw materials to developing a unified Volkswagen battery to managing the European and North American gigafactories. Headquartered in Salzgitter, Germany, we are experiencing the transformation of mobility up close. Our goal is to contribute a positive impact to our global society, the environment and the economy. To reach these goals we need your POWER!

For the ramp-up phase of our North American operations we are looking for a Head of Program Management who thrives in fast-paced and fast-changing environments. Temporarily reporting to the Senior Director, Finance, you will work closely with the PowerCo Product Management team at our Headquarters in Germany as well as colleagues from the Volkswagen Group of Canada in Ajax, ON to establish the North American division of the new company, and oversee and direct all program-management activities and its team.

• This is a flex hybrid model, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in office**

Primary Responsibilities

• Build a high-performing product management division, including hiring and mentoring team members
• Establish procedures to implement corporate programs, product strategy and volumes by establishing suitable working approaches, decision structures and reporting formats
• Lead local implementation of comprehensive product strategy, cycle plan and road map within field of responsibility and safeguarding compliance to corporate short- and long-term targets
• Communicate essential central PM decisions to the employees and required parties
• Ensure preparation, documentation and follow-up on PM decisions within the defined local corporate legal framework
• Provide status updates to the Senior Vice President PM from PowerCo SE (Germany) and relevant local customer committees
• Implement defined operational standards and processes for overall product management within local corporate structure
• Implement innovation and continuous improvement across the local product management function
• Develop and manage local product budgets, forecasting revenue and expenses, and optimizing resources
• Develop a diverse and inclusive culture of the local organization
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local key customers and partners
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product performance, report to central organization and drive improvements
• Safeguarding compliance to relevant standards and requirements for local product management organization
• Safeguarding adherence to defined budget within field of responsibility
• Performing other related duties as assigned or as they might pertain to the position

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or related field and/or equivalent relevant work experience 3+ years of program management experience, preferably in a multi-national company, with 5+ years supervisory experience
• Deep understanding of battery materials and cells, as well as the cell manufacturing processes
• Understanding of Agile concept and methodology,
• Comprehensive experience in engineering project management
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven decision-making abilities
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to effectively train others and communicate with teams across the organization
• Ability to travel up to 40-50% within Ontario, as well as internationally
• Ability to maintain flexible work hours to account for time zone differences with Europe, when necessary
• Overtime may be required to meet ramp-up deadlines

Desired Skills

• International mindset and strong interest in global work and diverse teams
• Entrepreneurial drive to help establish a company from the ground up
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strategic vision with a creative and forward-thinking perspective
• German language skills are considered an asset

What You’ll Get In Return

• A flexible and collaborative team dynamic
• Opportunities for development
• Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community
• Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package
• And much more!

Interested applicants are asked to submit their application by November 24, 2023

• Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, family status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, or local laws.

Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation