Program Manager

Overview As we bring our disruptive technology to the market, the Nikola Program Management Office is currently on the lookout for someone to lead and manage the development and execution of our Class-8 Battery Electric (BEV) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric (FCEV) truck programs. Under the guides of the Nikola Vehicle Development Process (VDP), the Program Manager is responsible for planning, scheduling, managing, and tracking the program deliverables on an aggressive timeline.

In this role, you will focus on cost, quality and timing and ensure the team drives and completes the phase-gate review process for each phase of the project.

Strong leadership, communication, and good problem-solving skills with first-hand knowledge of program/project management principles is an absolute must.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the master program schedule
• Work closely with Product Management team on program content/scope development
• Drive the development of key KPIs (cost, quality, timing, performance) for program
• Development of program business case with Finance
• Collaborate closely across departments (marketing, engineering, sales, supply chain, finance, quality, etc.), holding the team accountable to ensure program deliverables are met, on time per program schedule
• Support commodity teams in development of “Plan for Every Part” (component timing) that aligns with the Program schedule
• Coordinate weekly Program Review meeting agendas, facilitate meetings, and document risks, decisions, and action items
• Use risk management approach to anticipate and prevent problems from occurring, elevate risks to management when/if they occur
• Coordinate and conduct Phase Gate Reviews for senior leadership
• Provide regular project status reports to senior management
• Support Change Management process, including screening and change approval board meetings
• Ensure internal / external customer voices are understood and comprehended in program decision making
• Function in an advisory capacity to other functions supporting the program execution team
• Support coordination of Launch builds and related activities
• Evaluating the impact of planned organizational change, including business case assessment and risk management
• Overseeing the strategies to implement change effectively and in conformance with program requirements

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree

Minimum 2 years of experience managing projects in the automotive industry or Class 6/7/8 trucks

PMP Certification is preferred

Excellent planning, collaboration, and facilitation skills to coordinate and leverage capabilities across a highly matrixed organization involving multiple products, channels & functions

Experience with vehicle electrification programs

High level of analytical ability where problems are unusual and difficult to solve

Experience with establishing and managing key performance indicators / metrics

Ability to plan and manage complex projects and driving vague assignments to completion

Effective communication skills, written and oral, to all levels of the organization

Strong organizational skills

High Energy / Flexible / Adaptable / Dynamic / “can-do” attitude

High comfort and confidence level while giving presentations to room of peers and/or stakeholders

Ability to influence and thrive within a rapidly changing / growing matrix organization

Managing others (indirectly or directly), as required

Ability to travel regionally and internationally

Excellent coaching, and mentoring skills

Experience with change management and New Product Introduction process

About Nikola

Nikola Corporation is globally transforming the transportation industry. As a designer and manufacturer of zero-emission battery-electric and hydrogen-electric vehicles, electric vehicle drivetrains, vehicle components, energy storage systems, and hydrogen station infrastructure, Nikola is driven to revolutionize the economic and environmental impact of commerce as we know it today. Nikola Corporation is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.nikolamotor.com

Candidates must have current U.S. work authorization or be TN eligible from Mexico or Canada. This position is not eligible for CPT or OPT.

EEO Statement

Nikola Corporation™ is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, age, sex, ancestry, marital status, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by state or federal law.