The Role
The Cross Program Process Lead is a Design Program Management authority for GMNA Design, with deep knowledge of Design program processes, forums, and standards who turns Cross Vehicle Program Management (CVPM) and Design Operations strategy into clear, repeatable ways of working .
This role owns and maintains core Design Program Management processes, templates, and forums , leads training and change management for PM standards, and partners with the Cross Program Data Lead to ensure that Design’s operating model is both process ‑ sound and data ‑ driven .
The Cross Program Process Lead creates and sustains the “how we run programs” playbook for GMNA Design—covering GVDP‑aligned processes, Design gate deliverables, standard reviews (e.g.,POPs, DPR, MRR), and PM checklists—so that Program & Studio Management (PSM/PM/APM) can execute consistently across studios, brands, and vehicle programs.
The ideal candidate is process ‑ minded, facilitation ‑ strong, and change ‑ driven , comfortable operating in a dynamic, creative environment while bringing structure, clarity, and predictability to Design Program Management.
What You’ll Do
Your Skill and Abilities (Required Qualifications)
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Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Design, Program Management, Operations , or related field; or equivalent experience .
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6+ years of experience in Design Program Management, operations, or studio/program management , ideally within automotive or complex product development environments.
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Proven experience defining, documenting, and improving operational processes and forums (e.g., program reviews, escalations, gate readiness reviews) with clear outcomes.
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Strong familiarity with GVDP, Design sub ‑ processes, and Design Program Management practices; experience with DCR/eMERGE, and Design review forums (NADR, X‑EDoD, DPR, POPs) strongly preferred.
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Demonstrated ability to translate complex process and governance topics into clear, usable guidance for non‑expert audiences (e.g., PMs, studio teams, cross‑functional partners).
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Experience supporting senior ‑ level decision ‑ making via well‑structured agendas, forums, templates, and follow‑through, ideally in a Design or product development context.
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Strong organization, facilitation, and communication skills , with the ability to manage multiple Design stakeholder priorities in a fast‑changing environment.
What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
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Prior experience in GMNA Design Operations, or Program & Studio Management .
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Experience collaborating with IT/data teams and analytics partners (e.g., Cross Program Data Lead) to align process needs with reporting and tools.
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Experience leading change management and training for new or updated processes, templates, or governance routines.
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Experience developing data driven visualizations to communicate project status (e.g., Tableau)
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Familiarity with AI ‑ enabled or digital workflow tools for process documentation, training, or automation (e.g., knowledge bases, e‑learning, guided checklists).
Key Competencies
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Process & Execution Rigor – Designs and maintains clear, practical processes and forums that support predictable delivery and high‑quality decisions.
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Detail Orientation & Quality – Ensures standards, templates, and documentation are accurate, current, and easy to use; follows through on actions and commitments.
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Facilitation & Storytelling – Structures meetings and materials to focus on the right decisions, surfacing the process and data story in partnership with analytics.
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Change Agility – Anticipates and manages the impact of process changes; adjusts approaches based on feedback and evolving Design/enterprise needs.
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Collaboration & Influence – Builds strong relationships with PMs, studios, CVPM, Design leadership, and the Cross Program Data Lead; leads through influence, not authority.
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Ownership & Follow ‑ Through – Operates independently within broad guidelines; takes responsibility for making Design PM standards real, adopted, and sustained in practice.
