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Process Owner

The process owner is responsible for creating, sustaining, and improving a specific process and has the authority to make the required changes to achieve the objectives of the process.

Description​

The process owner is a subject matter expert (SME) of the specific process and also has a broader understanding of interactions and interfaces to other processes and organizations. The process owner should have knowledge about process development methods and tools (Six Sigma, PDCA, fishbone, etc.).

The goal for the process owner is to keep the processes as lean as possible, supporting a lean-agile approach with iterations and increments. The processes should be adaptable and possible to tailor to fit a stream or team's needs, where required boundaries (e.g., due to standards) are clear. Tools are utilized to support continuous development (Azure DevOps) and automate activities where possible.

The process owner collaborates with the practitioners of the process to collect feedback and improve the process. KPIs and discipline dashboards are monitored to ensure the process is efficient and meets the needs. The process owner collaborates closely with OpEx and the R&D quality manager to resolve issues and other organizations with process interfaces.

For large initiatives (e.g., introducing new tools), the process owner can act as a project manager and lead a team for the changes. The process owner can request resources in the R&D organization to support implementing changes. Selected process owners may also take on the task of process guardians, with the additional responsibility of safeguarding R&D processes consistency, style compliance, and adherence to applicable standards when evaluating process changes.

Responsibilities​

  • Ensure the purpose and objectives of the process are clear.
  • Explain, support, and train practitioners in the process.
  • Continuous process improvements and process updates. Approve and communicate changes in the process, templates and tools.
  • Ensure the process fits the needs of many streams, and can be tailored by product lines to meet specific needs.
  • Ensure efficient integration with other processes and collaborate with other process owners to optimize across processes.
  • Review of content at least every 3 years.
  • Act as a process guardian when assigned, ensuring consistency, style alignment, and compliance with applicable standards in process change evaluations.
  • Manage process change requests (PCRs) to closure.
  • Escalate process issues and interruptions according to the escalation ladder.
  • Work closely with teams and streams to pilot, introduce changes, communicate, and support the practitioners of the process.
  • Participate in audits when requested (e.g., ISO, Security, Safety, and customer audits).
  • Provide and maintain relevant training material, including PCP R&D Basic training module.
  • Ensure process improvement features are included in the PI planning.
  • See PRO Handbook for further details regarding the PRO role and responsibilities.