Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
Generic

Leia Nowotny

Milford

Summary

Dynamic Account and Program Management professional with extensive experience overseeing multiple global automotive seating programs. Proven expertise in product development for a leading Tier 1 JIT supplier, consistently delivering successful project design, launch, and completion. Skilled in fostering collaboration among customers, internal teams, and suppliers to navigate challenges, meet deadlines, and enhance product quality at critical milestones. Adept at establishing process infrastructure, conducting training sessions, and facilitating effective communication within cross-functional global teams.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Sales Manager

Lear Corporation
10.2022 - Current
  • Manage commercial activity for multiple programs worth $200M+, focusing on maintaining and improving O/I and customer satisfaction.
  • Secured a major program award delivering over $20M in annual O/I,
  • Lead quote negotiations with customers for engineering changes to awarded programs to optimize and enhance portfolio performance.
  • Negotiate RFQs and LTAs to secure new business and optimize profitability.
  • Serve as single point of contact for OEM client relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.

Senior Program Manager

Lear Corporation
05.2021 - Current
  • Directed full-cycle product development for multiple GM JIT programs (ZERV, L232, C223), achieving 100% milestone compliance and launch readiness through cross-functional collaboration and plant preparation.
  • Built and maintained Microsoft Project timelines to track critical path milestones, accelerate change implementation, and ensure on-time TKO deliverables.
  • Partnered with purchasing, supply chain, and engineering to secure production-sourced BOM parts, launch tooling on schedule, and resolve design gaps ahead of build events.
  • Orchestrated pre-production build readiness by forecasting requirements, creating build schedules, procuring materials, and leading weekly PDT/PMT reviews to monitor timing, issues, and launch performance.

Advanced Technology Program Manager, Global Innovations

Lear Corporation
05.2019 - 05.2021
  • Established and led the project management function for Lear's Innovation Ventures, overseeing 33 cross-regional projects and reporting directly to the CTO.
  • Implemented agile practices, leading sprints, Scrum activities, and coaching teams to improve execution and delivery.
  • Developed a project handoff framework between the innovation group and business units, while managing external partnerships and vetting potential collaborators.
  • Directed fiscal planning, scaling of programs, and day-to-day workflow in collaboration with cross-functional teams, mentoring and developing direct reports.

Regional Innovation Manager, Americas

Lear Corporation
12.2016 - 05.2019
  • Implemented collaboration tools, delivered training, and organized competitive hackathons to enable teams to effectively execute innovative solutions.
  • Designed and launched a best-in-class Student Innovation Intern Program, driving project excellence and talent development through strategic planning and leadership.
  • Managed all program aspects, including budget oversight, securing executive sponsorship, team recruitment, mentoring cross-functional interns, and presenting final deliverables to C-level leadership.
  • Achieved significant results in the program’s first four years, including 3 granted patents, 4 pending patents, 10 invention disclosures, and 3 full-time hires.

Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

Lear Corporation
09.2015 - 12.2016
  • Managed full-cycle recruiting efforts, while working with leaders to forecast plans for staffing initiatives
  • Conducted Top Grade Assessments; in-depth assessments based on ghSmart methodology, for manager/director level positions
  • Executed effective relationship-building with colleagues and universities to allow expansion of Lear’s recruiting pool

Executive Recruiter

JMJ Phillip Executive Search
09.2014 - 08.2015
  • Generated permanent placement revenue in challenging markets, averaging 3 successful hires per month.

Lead Truckload Broker

Old Dominion Freight Line
02.2012 - 08.2014
  • Consistently achieved strong profitability, maintaining 20–50% margins across all shipments.

Transportation Specialist

All-State Express
06.2010 - 02.2012
  • Founded, expanded, and led the brokerage department, driving growth and operational excellence from inception.

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA) -

Wayne State University
08.2025

B.S.B.A. - Marketing and Supply Chain Management

Central Michigan University
01.2010

Certified Professional Innovator -

University of Michigan College of Engineering
01.2017

Skills

  • Jira/Confluence
  • Full Microsoft Suite
  • Agile Methodologies & Management
  • SCRUM
  • Certified Professional Innovator
  • AS400

Timeline

Sales Manager

Lear Corporation
10.2022 - Current

Senior Program Manager

Lear Corporation
05.2021 - Current

Advanced Technology Program Manager, Global Innovations

Lear Corporation
05.2019 - 05.2021

Regional Innovation Manager, Americas

Lear Corporation
12.2016 - 05.2019

Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

Lear Corporation
09.2015 - 12.2016

Executive Recruiter

JMJ Phillip Executive Search
09.2014 - 08.2015

Lead Truckload Broker

Old Dominion Freight Line
02.2012 - 08.2014

Transportation Specialist

All-State Express
06.2010 - 02.2012

B.S.B.A. - Marketing and Supply Chain Management

Central Michigan University

Master of Business Administration (MBA) -

Wayne State University

Certified Professional Innovator -

University of Michigan College of Engineering

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