1. Margaret Brach | Page 1 of 2
DYNAMIC ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGER
c a r e e r s u m m a r y
Performance driven, forward-thinking, hands-on engineering project manager demonstrating accountability for functional &
corporate business objectives through all product development phases. Successful, self-motivated product development
manager integrating & leading cross-functional teams, taking over 10 programs from initial design through product launch with
increasing responsibilities, including international experience. Able to maximize technical results through multi-disciplinary
teams leveraging cross-business resources in a matrix organizational environment. Utilizes proven engineering principles and
design tools resulting in robust, quality designs. Resilient, flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to
effectively prioritize and juggle multiple concurrent projects on both a domestic and international level.
c r i t i c a l s k i l l s e t
• Program/Project Management • Design Analysis (FMEA, FEA, DVP&R, DFSS, DFA/DFM) • Leadership Development
• Product Compliance Testing • Structured Issue Resolution (8D, DOE, 5-Why, Fishbone) • Influential Communicator
• High Performance Team Building • Quality Analysis (APQP, QFD, SPC, Pareto) • Multi-Disciplinary Team Leadership
• Process Driven System Integration • Lean Manufacturing Principles (6 Sigma, 5S, Kaizen) • Relationship Builder
• Continuous Process Improvement • Strong Judgment & Decision Making Skills • Conflict Management
• New Product Development • New Product Implementation/Launch
p r o f e s s i o n a l e m p l o y m e n t h i s t o r y
MANAGER – PROGRAM CONTROL 2010 – 2011 CODA Automotive
Managed Program deliverables through pre-production build phases through overall BOM development,
Issue Management, Change Management ensuring robust technical resolution and timely implementation
of design changes.
• Managed complete underhood design optimization including coolant system, high and low voltage
electrical design and A/C system for improved functional performance, manufacturability, assembly
and design robustness
• Worked directly with China manufacturing (Changan) supporting build events at Chinese facility
DIRECTOR - ENGINEERING & DESIGN 2007 – 2009 PlayCore, LLC
Implemented corporate timing plan for product life cycle. Managed 4 direct reports, with a total of 28 total
employees. Managed 3 departments including engineering, supply chain management & design
• Developed & implemented timing strategy including milestone deliverables providing structure to
management meetings
• Led a Kaizen event which resulted in the purchase of a $3.7 mil piece of equipment improving part
quality and eliminated numerous non-value added operations
• Implemented FEA software and a testing program to improve product robustness in the field
improving cost of quality (warranty) and perceived craftsmanship to the customer
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION SUPERVISOR – BODY EXTERIOR 2005 – 2007 Ford Motor Co
Delivered the 2008 Escape/Mariner/Tribute program from pre-production build phase through Job #1 and
approval to ship to the end customer. Managed one direct report and 17 matrixed reports.
• Delivered program through all milestones on target for all deliverables (cost, schedule & technical
requirements)
• Tracked multiple issues/resolution/implementation plans understanding build requirements and
working with engineering, supply chain & manufacturing to balance the needs of all customer and
prioritize work plans
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2. Margaret Brach | Page 2 of 2
TECHNICAL COMMODITY LEADER – BODY SEALING SYSTEMS 2004 – 2005 Ford Motor Co
Developed a commonization strategy for dynamic/glass sealing and moon roof systems for improved cost
savings and quality to be implemented following the cycle plan starting in 2010.
• Effectively managed (influenced, motivated, & monitored) cross-functional team comprised of
engineering, vehicle program management, purchasing, manufacturing, suppliers, finance, logistics,
marketing, styling/design, and service engineering that developed commodity plans by ensuring the
team’s focus remained on its primary objectives
• Prepared & presented commodity plans to executive management, successfully obtaining
concurrence to acquire the necessary resources for implementationand cascading plans to all
programs via the corporate cycle plan strategy
VEHICLE INTEGRATION SUPERVISOR 1999 – 2004 Ford Motor Co
Executed implementation of the all new 2001 vehicle platform & the 2005 Minor Program Freshening
for the Ford Escape & Maverick/Mercury Mariner/Mazda Tribute.
• Supervised multiple engineering activities with 5 direct reports and 200 matrixed reports
• Successfully led the transition of 175 Mazda engineers & 25 Ford International Service
Engineers (repatriation) from Hiroshima, Japan to Kansas City, MO
• Led the team to successfully launch the all new 2001 Escape/Tribute product which outsold all
other competitor’s models in the segment
• Implemented the European Maverick and the I4 engine derivatives scheduled for introduction
after Job #1
• Managed multiple complex projects in dynamically changing production & politically charged
environment
• Led a team to Hofu, Japan for comparative analysis of tools and manufacturing methods being
used in the Mazda sister plant for improved processes at Kansas City Assembly Plant to correct
early warranty issues
• Represented vehicle engineering on the press drives ensuring the vehicles performed at the
expected quality levels prior to each journalist drive
• Participated in three feedback events across the U.S., meeting with customers to gain valuable
feedback that helped to improve the product
VEHICLE INTEGRATION DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER 1998 – 1999 Ford Motor Co
Conducted durability testing at the Arizona Proving Grounds for the all new 2001 Escape/Tribute
vehicle.
Participated in Safety Crash Testing at US-based Tier 1 supplier with Mazda engineering
• Ensured that issues found during the testing were effectively communicated to the proper
engineers in both Japan and Dearborn, MI and that proper closure was achieved
• Acted as the primary liaison between the test facilities and the Mazda engineers in Japan
relaying valuable information that impacted product performance and reduced logistical costs
DESIGN ENGINEER – BODY STRUCTURES 1996 – 1998 Ford Motor Co
PRODUCT IMPLEMENTATION ENGINEER (LAUNCH) 1992 – 1996 Ford Motor Co
DESIGN ENGINEER – ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION 1991 – 1992 Ford Motor Co
DESIGN ENGINEER – COST REDUCTION SPECIALIST 1989 – 1991 Ford Motor Co
DESIGN ENGINEER – FRONT/REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS 1988 – 1989 Arvin Industries
DESIGN ENGINEER – ABS WHEEL END SYSTEMS 1986 – 1988 Allied Signal/Bendix
e d u c a t i o n a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l a f f i l i a t i o n s
BS, Mechanical Engineering University of Notre Dame South Bend, IN 1986
MSA, International Administration Central Michigan University Dearborn, MI In Progress
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)
c o n t a c t i n f o r m a t i o n
Telephone: 423.664.2984 | Email: mbrach@alumni.nd.edu | Professional Profile: http://www.linkedin/in/mbrach
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