Christian Lerma

Program / Specifications Engineering Lead @ 3Mcompany

About

I am a strategic Program Manager with over 15 years of experience leading complex automotive product launches and global cross-functional initiatives within multinational manufacturing environments. Currently leading New Product Introduction (NPI) programs at 3M EDUMEX, I oversee end-to-end program execution from quotation through SOP, ensuring alignment across engineering, quality, supply chain, manufacturing, and executive leadership. My experience includes direct collaboration with global OEM customers such as Ford, GM, Stellantis, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Volvo, Subaru, and Rivian. Driving flawless automotive launches through structured governance, proactive risk management, and cross-functional global leadership.My expertise includes: • Program governance & executive gate reviews • APQP / PPAP lifecycle leadership • Risk identification & mitigation strategy • Financial oversight & cost impact analysis • Capacity planning & Run @ Rate approvals • Engineering change management (ECN / PCN / PCR) • IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 compliance I am recognized for anticipating program risks early, escalating effectively, and protecting launch timing while maintaining strong customer relationships. I serve as a key communication bridge between Mexico operations and U.S. corporate engineering, ensuring transparency, accountability, and execution discipline. My leadership style is data-driven, collaborative, and focused on building strong multidisciplinary teams that deliver predictable results in high-pressure environments. I am open to connecting with professionals in program management, automotive manufacturing, operational excellence, and global product development.

Country

Mexico

City

Ciudad Juárez

Industry

Automotive

Skill

NPI Management, Automotive Manufacturing, Risk Management, Portfolio Management, Program Management, Project Management, Management, Customer Service, Manufacturing, Leadership, Continuous Improvement, Project Planning, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

Experience

Program / Specifications Engineering Lead

3Mcompany

2022-2 - Present · 4 yrs 8 mos

Juárez, CHH

Key Achievements & Responsibilities: • Lead cross-functional program teams through APQP and PPAP processes from concept to SOP. • Manage project timelines, risks, and financial performance for multiple concurrent programs. • Conduct executive-level Gate Reviews using KPIs (financial, schedule, quality, risk). • Serve as primary communication link between Mexico operations and 3M headquarters in St. Paul, MN. • Anticipate and escalate critical risks to senior leadership to protect program timing and profitability. • Direct prototype, validation, and pre-production builds, including capability studies and gauge R&R. • Own cost estimation and quotation activities for new business awards. • Drive continuous improvement initiatives based on variance analysis (daily/monthly performance). Impact: • Improved project visibility and executive reporting discipline. • Strengthened global communication between plant operations and corporate engineering. • Reduced launch risk exposure through proactive mitigation planning.

Product Coordinator / Program Engineer

3Mcompany

2015-7 - 2022-2 · 6 yrs 8 mos

Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua

• Directed full APQP lifecycle including FMEA, Control Plans, Flowcharts, and PPAP submissions. • Led Run @ Rate validations for GM, Ford, Toyota, and Nissan production approvals. • Coordinated global business teams for demand forecasting and supply planning. • Managed engineering change implementation (PCN / PCR / ECN) ensuring version control integrity. • Represented organization as Supplier ANPQP Representative (SAR) for Nissan. • Led customer issue resolution using 8D, 5 Why, and Ishikawa methodologies. • Supported assembly plants directly during critical launches.

Project Engineer

STRATTEC de México

2011-9 - 2015-7 · 3 yrs 11 mos

Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua

STRATTEC de México Project Engineer Oct 2011 – Apr 2015 • Developed manufacturing processes for new automotive products. • Led prototype builds, line transfers, and SOP readiness. • Coordinated cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives. • Managed engineering change notices and multidisciplinary kickoff meetings. • Supervised launch-phase personnel and equipment validation Earlier Roles Project Engineering Technician – STRATTEC Process Engineering Technician – PCE Electronics Industrial & Process Engineering Assistant – TOSHIBA (Available upon request or summarized for executive version.)