Part Lifecycle Manager

At Kem Krest, we are more than a supply chain solutions provider, we are a trusted partner to some of the world’s leading automotive, heavy-duty, and powersports OEMs. As a certified minority-owned business, we deliver customized services in packaging, logistics, and compliance with a focus on innovation, quality, and customer success.

The Manager will lead and develop a cross-functional team comprising Part Lifecycle Managers (PLMs), the Customer Service Team, and the Dealership Services Team. This role includes direct oversight of two Supervisors, one leading Customer Service and the other leading Dealership Services, and will take close direction from the Director of Account Management. The Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence, enhancing customer experience, and aligning team performance with strategic business goals.

As a key people leader, the Manager will ensure consistent execution of Kem Krest’s career framework expectations for people managers, while also contributing functional expertise in part lifecycle management, customer service, and dealership operations.

• Part Lifecycle Management:
  Execute part cost updates, terminations, deviations, and rework processes.
• Launch Coordination:
  Build part numbers, folders, and launch plans using  Manage the full part launch process.
• Process Execution:
  Support APQP activities and ensure compliance with quality and customer requirements.
• Performance Monitoring:
  Track KPIs and dashboards to evaluate launch success and process efficiency.
• Customer Focus:
  Understand customer needs, develop VOC documentation, and support satisfaction initiatives.
• Financial Awareness:
  Build financial acumen to understand how your work impacts business performance.
• Problem Solving:
  Participate in root cause analysis and troubleshooting to improve outcomes.
• Compliance & Standards:
  Follow all procedures per the Quality Management System and applicable regulations.

• Lead a team of four Product Lifecycle Managers (PLMs) and two Supervisors overseeing the Customer Service and Dealership Services teams.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance management to direct reports, ensuring alignment with Kem Krest’s career framework for people managers.
• Facilitate regular one-on-one and team meetings to support development, engagement, and accountability.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement across all functional areas.
• Works with teams to identify and implement process improvement across functional areas by analyzing performance data, gathering team feedback, and driving change initiatives that quality and enhance operational efficiency.

• Oversee execution of part lifecycle activities including new part launches, revisions, terminations, and APQP deliverables.
• Ensure standardization of tools, templates, and weekly processes to drive consistency and efficiency.
• Monitor and manage lead-time metrics for setting up and launching new parts and revisions, ensuring timely execution and alignment with customer expectations. Serve as a the main point of internal escalation when lead-time is not being met.
• Support PLMs in cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Supply Chain, Compliance, Finance, and other internal partners.

• Provide direction and support to the Customer Service Supervisor, ensuring alignment with team goals and organizational standards.
• Drive initiatives to reduce manual work by identifying automation opportunities and implementing tools or workflows that streamline repetitive tasks.
• Lead efforts to further standardize and simplify customer service processes, with a focus on improving turnaround time, reducing errors, and enhancing scalability.
• Champion a culture of efficiency by regularly reviewing workload distribution, identifying bottlenecks, and reallocating resources to maintain balance and prevent burnout.
• Establish proactive monitoring systems to identify customer issues before they escalate, using data trends and feedback loops to inform service improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless communication…