Douglas LaCroix
Zeeland,Michigan
Summary
Accomplished leader with proven record of excellence in leading dynamic, multi-disciplined organizations. Intense focus on affecting change resulting in enhanced profitability and world class program execution. Results achieved by intuitive and thought inducing leadership.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President – Program Management & Engineering
Volta Power Systems
11.2021 - Current
- Provide executive leadership to 9 direct reports in a dynamic organization within the fluid and quickly changing environment of Advanced Energy. Multiple distinct functional reporting with focus and charge on flawless execution
- Completely redesigned Volta Product Development and Launch Process. Streamlined requirements while aligning Product development system to customer and market demands
- Designed resource planning process for allocation of Launch Engineering assets to Advanced Sales projects which enhanced project execution
- Immediately attacked and overcame division between Engineering and Operations by creatively establishing collaboration and cross functional project engagement. Functional synergy and teamwork achieved
- Board level communication on a monthly basis
- Lead quarterly strategic planning sessions for the CEO.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
Global Platform Director
Yanfeng Automotive Interiors/Johnson Controls Interiors
04.2008 - 11.2021
- Global Platform leader responsible for design, development, and manufacture of all Mazda partitions in North America
- Design home office China
- Customer home office Japan
- Production in North America
- P&L responsible for projects that exceed $200 million in annual sales, 9% Return on Sales, and 24% Internal Rate of Return
- Lead negotiator between Yanfeng Automotive and Mazda Motor Cars with focus on Profit Margin improvement while delivering on committed pricing requirements between Yanfeng and Mazda.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Established, initiated and optimized business development strategies based on company targets, product specifications, market data, and budget factors
- Managed budget allocation and resource utilization to maximize marketing ROI
Business Unit North American Platform Director
Yanfeng Automotive Interiors/Johnson Controls Interiors
12.2012 - 10.2019
- Global Project leader responsible for design, development, and manufacturing of the Daimler A/B Class Instrument Panel
- Established global simultaneous development team to execute $100 million development project
- P&L ownership of multiple automotive partitions for Mercedes M-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles
- Critical leadership integrating North American current production processes for European customer
- Project implementation leader of tooling and equipment installation in Queretaro, Mexico
- Lead North American negotiating team in $70 million price enhancement of M/G-Class interiors.
Global Platform/Program Director
Yanfeng Automotive/Johnson Controls Interiors
09.2010 - 12.2012
- Responsible for design, development, and program execution of global Mercedes M Class Door Panel
- Critical leadership integrating global product design, technical issue resolution, and overall program financials while handling customer management across multiple continents
- Increased program profitability by 10% utilizing VA/VE principles with critical focus on continuous improvement
- Nominated as global Task Force leader to optimize operational performance translating to increased financial returns for JCI shareholders.
- Developed and implemented program goals and objectives, establishing specific and measurable outcomes aligned with organization's overall mission.
- Supervised program staff, managing and evaluating performance provide high-quality services to program participants.
Global Platform/Program Manager Interiors
Yanfeng Automotive Interiors/Johnson Controls Interiors
03.2008 - 08.2010
- Global program leader responsible for integrating product design, technical issue resolution, and overall program P&L, while leading customer management for JCI Ri-Act active head rest, recessed LED, and low-cost corporate visor
- Global leader for European and North American design, tooling, and manufacturing teams leading to consistent product and process execution
- Lead multiple dynamic, cross-functional engineering and product development teams, implementing leading edge technologies.
- Coached team members on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals.
Executive Director Program Management
General Electric Aviation Systems
04.2006 - 04.2008
- Charged with overall improvements of General Electrics Program Management function within the Digital Systems Business in North America and Europe
- Lead step function process improvement in management and execution of key program deliverables through implementation of standardized program management strategies and tools. Productivity increased by more than 15% allowing GE to withdraw 3 hiring request
- Improved overall Program Management function through a disciplined oversight process that includes program reviews, phase and gate reviews, executive management project reviews, technical and performance metrics, standardized risk and opportunity process, rigorous earned value and variance reporting, and customer feedback.
- Set organizational goals and objectives to guide and direct company focus and achieve mission fulfillment.
Director Program Management – Program Management Office
Johnson Controls Interiors
06.2004 - 04.2006
- Functional directive to develop, refine, and monitor automotive product development system for Interiors and Electronics Businesses
- Lead cross functional team tasked with streamlining Johnson Controls product launch system
- Removed more than 15% of development complexities while maintaining rigor and integrity of all Engineering processes
- Designed system to be flexible and adapt to numerous types of development projects without risking critical launch deliverables
- Functional leader assisting Simultaneous Development Teams in program execution and achievement of project milestones, customer gates, and ultimate project success.
- Built cohesive teams and devised clear, actionable plans to meet program goals
Telematics Platform/Program Manager
Johnson Controls Interiors
03.2003 - 06.2004
Director Human Resources
Johnson Controls Interiors
10.2002 - 03.2003
Electronics Quality Manager
Johnson Controls Interiors
10.2000 - 10.2002
Operations/Plant Manager
Johnson Controls Interiors
01.1997 - 10.2000
Education
Master of Science Engineering Management -
Western Michigan University
04.2003
BS Manufacturing Engineering and Industrial Marketing -
Western Michigan University
12.1988
Skills
- Executive Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
- Business Strategy
- Business Process Improvement
- Gross Margin Improvement
- Corporate Turn Around
- Program / Project Management
- Operations Management
Timeline
Vice President – Program Management & Engineering
Volta Power Systems
11.2021 - Current
Business Unit North American Platform Director
Yanfeng Automotive Interiors/Johnson Controls Interiors
12.2012 - 10.2019
Global Platform/Program Director
Yanfeng Automotive/Johnson Controls Interiors
09.2010 - 12.2012
Global Platform Director
Yanfeng Automotive Interiors/Johnson Controls Interiors
04.2008 - 11.2021
Global Platform/Program Manager Interiors
Yanfeng Automotive Interiors/Johnson Controls Interiors
03.2008 - 08.2010
Executive Director Program Management
General Electric Aviation Systems
04.2006 - 04.2008
Director Program Management – Program Management Office
Johnson Controls Interiors
06.2004 - 04.2006
Telematics Platform/Program Manager
Johnson Controls Interiors
03.2003 - 06.2004
Director Human Resources
Johnson Controls Interiors
10.2002 - 03.2003
Electronics Quality Manager
Johnson Controls Interiors
10.2000 - 10.2002
Operations/Plant Manager
Johnson Controls Interiors
01.1997 - 10.2000
Master of Science Engineering Management -
Western Michigan University
BS Manufacturing Engineering and Industrial Marketing -
Western Michigan University
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