Program Management at JVIS: Driving Programs from Concept through Production
At JVIS, Program Management plays a critical role in helping customer programs move efficiently from kickoff through production. Serving as the central connection point between customers, engineering, manufacturing, tooling, supply chain, quality, and commercial teams, our Program Managers help align expectations, manage timelines, identify risks, and keep programs moving forward.
From early development and tooling through prototype builds, first shots, validation, PPAP, and start of production, the JVIS Program Management team brings structure, communication, accountability, and hands-on experience to every stage of the process.
Building a Strong Foundation
A successful program begins with a structured transition from Business Development to Program Management. During the standard new program kickoff process, the team reviews customer expectations, technical requirements, timing, deliverables, and internal responsibilities to ensure the program is set up for success from the start.
“This is considered the handoff from the sales team to the Program Management team,” explains Jamie Ecker, Director of Program Management at JVIS. “The sales team moves into a support role, and the Program Manager takes the lead.”
This kickoff process helps establish the foundation for the program, whether JVIS is supporting a build-to-print project or serving as a full-service supplier from design and development through production. It also ensures key program information is documented, organized, and available to the internal team as the program advances.
Keeping Teams Aligned
Once a program launches internally, JVIS holds regular Product Development Team meetings with representatives from key departments. These meetings help track timing, open issues, build activity, risks, customer milestones, and next steps through start of production.
“A Program Manager needs to bring the teams together so there are no surprises,” says Robert Mathews, Program Manager at JVIS. “This can and should start with prototypes, components, tool shop runs, builds, and report-outs on complex designs to create knowledge and part history.”
This cross-functional approach allows JVIS to identify concerns early, support informed decision-making, and create a smoother transition from development to production. As Mathews explains, “Launching parts takes repeated builds with a slow ramp and transition to the JVIS manufacturing plants. Keep track of everything, as success is managing the details.”
Managing Change with Transparency
As programs evolve, changes in scope, timing, cost, design, or customer requirements can occur. JVIS manages these changes through a structured Engineering Change Request, or ECR, process.
This ensures affected departments are notified, timing and cost impacts are reviewed, and customers have visibility to key program changes. By managing change in a clear and documented way, JVIS helps reduce disruption, maintain alignment, and keep programs moving forward.
Defining a Successful Launch
At JVIS, a successful launch means more than reaching start of production. It means program requirements, quality expectations, commercial items, and customer milestones are achieved.
Key indicators include completed PPAP requirements, resolved commercial open items, production-intent parts flowing from JVIS facilities without issue, and customer satisfaction with the launch process.
For the Program Management team, success is measured by execution, communication, and the customer’s confidence in JVIS as a long-term manufacturing partner.
What Sets JVIS Apart
JVIS Program Managers bring a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach to every program. Their role extends beyond schedules and meetings. They support prototype builds, supplier coordination, customer communication, launch readiness, and issue resolution wherever needed.
Ecker describes this as “wearing different hats.” Whether supporting hands-on builds, helping package prototype parts, coordinating with suppliers, or working through urgent timing challenges, JVIS Program Managers are willing to step in where needed to help protect the program.
In one example, the team coordinated urgent sample part movement between multiple vendors over a weekend to help protect program timing and maintain momentum.
In another example, JVIS supported a design improvement that consolidated two parts into one, helping reduce tooling requirements, equipment needs, check fixtures, and downstream manufacturing complexity.
These examples reflect the value JVIS brings through ownership, technical understanding, and a continuous focus on improving efficiency, manufacturability, and launch success.
Experienced Leadership and Team Engagement
Strong Program Managers require more than organizational skills. They need technical understanding, manufacturing experience, customer focus, and the ability to lead through complexity.
Ecker notes that he values Program Managers with diverse work experience across areas such as engineering, tooling, and manufacturing. This broad background helps the team better understand how decisions impact timing, quality, cost, and production readiness.
JVIS Program Managers also work to create full team engagement across each program. Ideas, concerns, and suggestions are discussed and considered to support the best possible outcome.
“When people feel empowered, they will go that extra mile to assure success,” says Jon Mandziara, Program Manager at JVIS.
That sense of ownership and collaboration is part of what makes the JVIS approach unique.
Supporting Customer Success
Program Management at JVIS is more than project coordination. It is a key function that helps align people, manage risk, support transparency, and drive successful execution from concept through production.
With experienced Program Managers, strong cross-functional collaboration, transparent communication, and a customer-focused approach, JVIS helps OEMs and partners move complex programs forward with confidence.
To learn more about working with JVIS on an upcoming program, visit jvis.us/contact-us.