How Teijin Automotive Is Using Structure and Standards to Elevate Program Management
When leadership, process, and data align, performance follows. At Teijin Automotive, Steve Pelzcarski is helping lead that alignment by applying a disciplined, transparent approach to program management. From standardized gate reviews to real-time visibility across teams, Teijin is redefining what execution looks like at scale.
Here’s how their team is improving results through structure, communication, and leadership accountability.
Why Program Managers Need to Think Like CEOs
Steve describes his program managers as CEOs of their own initiatives. They’re expected to drive performance, coordinate across functions, and ensure on-time, on-budget launches—even without formal authority over every resource. That mindset shift, from passive coordinator to strategic leader, has been a foundational part of the culture change at Teijin.
What Happens When You Standardize the Process
Standardization is at the core of Teijin’s operating model. Their program management system includes a formal gate process, detailed deliverables, and a consistent cadence across all teams. According to Steve, this approach has eliminated guesswork, leveled expectations, and removed the performance gaps that come from tribal knowledge or inconsistent execution.
“Without standards, metrics, and accountability, you have chaos. And chaos drives inefficiencies, labor gaps, and lower profitability.”
How Visibility Drives Performance Across the Organization
One of the biggest changes Teijin implemented was a shift away from spreadsheets and siloed updates to a centralized digital system, Visuant. Now, every team has access to the same dashboards, metrics, and gate reviews. Everyone sees the same data, speaks the same language, and works toward the same outcomes.
That visibility hasn’t just improved transparency, it’s also made governance and communication more effective across every level of the company.
Consistent Meetings, Consistent Focus
To ensure alignment, Teijin established a company-wide meeting cadence, from senior leadership to individual teams. That structure keeps everyone focused on key priorities, reduces distractions, and helps prevent the firefighting mindset that often plagues program management.
There’s still noise—every business has fires—but the consistency of meetings and standards ensures teams stay grounded in what matters most.
Adapting to Industry Change: EVs, AI, and What’s Next
The shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) has introduced new levels of unpredictability across the automotive industry. OEMs are pausing new product launches, timelines are shifting, and future demand is uncertain. Instead of reacting, Teijin is preparing by leaning into flexibility, investing in automation, and keeping close ties with OEMs.
Steve also sees AI as a key piece of program management’s future, especially in helping teams anticipate delays, analyze data patterns, and improve decision speed. As the company evolves, so will the skill sets they hire and the technologies they adopt.
Building the Next Generation of Manufacturing Leaders
With deep expertise in composites, Teijin operates in a specialized space. That makes internal development essential. Steve’s approach is clear: bring in new talent, onboard them with clear standards, and help them quickly gain fluency in the business. Internships and college partnerships are key parts of the strategy, especially as legacy knowledge begins to retire out of the organization.
By connecting younger talent to cutting-edge automation and advanced manufacturing technology, Teijin is positioning itself as both a place to grow and a company built to last.
What Makes a Leader Worth Following
When asked what advice he’d give to emerging leaders, Steve kept it simple:
Set clear expectations.
Live the standards.
Lead by example.
Stay flexible.
Always be listening and learning.
The consistent thread throughout his approach is clarity. When standards are known, behaviors follow. When communication is consistent, performance improves. And when leaders show up with integrity, people follow.
Teijin Automotive isn’t just running programs; it’s building a performance system. Through structured processes, clear expectations, and real-time visibility, they’re reducing chaos and driving stronger results at every level. It’s a model that proves what we believe at Competitive Solutions: execution starts with clarity, and leadership starts with accountability.
Explore how Visuant helps organizations standardize performance systems and increase transparency.
Listen to the full podcast with Steve here!