General Motors

VAA Strategy and Planning Lead

General Motors • $100K — $130K *
Warren, MI 48089Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in assembly operations, launch management, or related fields.
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant area or equivalent experience in process and tooling.
  • Demonstrated analytical skills for effective problem solving.
  • Strong interpersonal and team collaboration abilities.
  • Excellent presentation and communication skills.
  • Familiarity with short lead time environments.
  • Willingness to travel domestically up to 5% for supplier and plant visits.

Responsibilities

  • Support MIMs with issue resolution and eSOR kickoffs.
  • Author eSORs for assigned plant programs.
  • Provide VAA expertise and assist in technical reviews.
  • Develop cost target estimates for sourced VAA modules.
  • Create and maintain VAA processes and documentation as necessary.
  • Enhance VAA standardized work and documentation tools.
  • Support the development and review of business cases as required.
  • Represent Vehicle Systems Manufacturing Engineering in VAA interactions.
  • Input VAA cost details into MPS studies regarding tooling and production costs.
  • Collaborate with CMEs to integrate VAA content into design activities.
  • Aid VAA Execution MEs in delivering control drawings and MPDs to suppliers.
  • Ensure adequate funding for VAA pre-production activities is planned and available.
  • Onboard VAA personnel into GM systems as necessary.
  • Complete VAA checklist requirements for process gates.

Benefits

  • Full-time onsite work schedule.
  • Travel opportunities up to 25% for project meetings and vendor assessments.
  • Collaborative work environment across teams and suppliers.
  • Potential for impact on major manufacturing projects.
Full Job Description

Job Description

The Role

As the VAA Strategy and Planning Lead, you will develop strategy and planning for third-party Value Added Assembler (VAA) suppliers supporting new program launches. VAAs are suppliers that assemble key modules such as suspensions, headliners, consoles, and tire-and-wheel assemblies, then deliver them in sequence to GM assembly plants, along with other major commodities.

In this role, you will help foster strong collaboration across GM teams and supplier partners, support onboarding of third-party VAA personnel into GM systems as needed, and build effective working relationships with plant teams, coworkers, and suppliers.

What You’ll Do

  • Support Manufacturing Integration Managers (MIMs) with eSOR kickoffs and issue resolution, including coordination with appendix owners

  • Author eSORs for programs within assigned plants

  • Provide VAA subject matter expertise and support technical reviews

  • Develop cost target estimates for VAA modules being sourced

  • Create and maintain VAA processes and documentation as needed

  • Develop and improve VAA standardized work, including TISs, RASICs, forms, and timelines

  • Support development and review of business cases as needed

  • Represent Vehicle Systems Manufacturing Engineering in interactions with VAAs

  • Provide VAA cost input to MPS studies, including target estimates, tooling and M&E costs, and trial part costs

  • Partner with CMEs to ensure VAA content and assembly requirements are included in design and PDT/CIT team activities

  • Support VAA Execution MEs in obtaining and delivering control drawings to VAAs

  • Support VAA Execution MEs in obtaining and delivering first-release MPDs to VAAs

  • Ensure startup funding for VAA pre-production activities, including training and system validation parts, is identified and provided to the IM and MIM for inclusion in MPS planning

  • Onboard appropriate VAA personnel into required GM systems and serve as sponsor as needed

  • Complete VAA RV checklist requirements for DSI and CSO gates

Required Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in an associated sub-system, assembly plant and/or product environment, program management, assembly operations, or launch-related work

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience in process and tooling

  • Strong analytical skills

  • Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and team-building skills

  • Strong presentation and communication skills

  • Understanding of short lead time environments

  • Ability to travel domestically up to 5% to GM plants and VAA supplier locations

Preferred Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in processing, tooling, M&E development, or launch management

  • In-depth knowledge of VAA commodities

  • Assembly plant experience

  • Industrial engineering experience

  • Understanding of GVDP (Global Vehicle Development Process)

  • Engineering degree

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

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Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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