Program Manager
hace 7 días
Milwaukee
Job Description Scope of Position The Program Manager is a highly visible role, reporting to the Senior Manager of Program Management, and is responsible for leading domestic and international programs that support new product development (NPD) and related business initiatives. Operating within established Stage Gate and innovation processes, this role drives program planning, timelines, execution, and governance from concept through commercialization. The Program Manager partners with cross-functional teams to build and manage detailed schedules, facilitate core team meetings, ensure alignment and accountability, track risks and resources, and drive continuous improvement. This role also works closely with Finance to monitor program metrics and costs, and supports portfolio and product roadmap strategy to ensure programs deliver against corporate goals. Responsibilities Program Planning & Scope Development • Partner with program sponsors, leadership, and senior cross-functional representatives to define program scope, user/design requirements, deliverables, required resources, resource demand vs. capacity, schedules, budgets, and timelines for new initiatives., • Collaborate with senior functional leaders and the supervisor on staffing plans, resource allocation, and prioritization decisions based on quarterly NPD business needs., • Independently build detailed, end-to-end program schedules outlining required sequences of tasks and milestones to ensure successful completion., • Identify, recommend, and help assign appropriate program resources (team representatives and/or financial/capital needs) in collaboration with the supervisor and functional leaders., • Lead weekly cross-functional core team meetings to review progress, update schedules, and adjust plans as needed., • Execute programs according to program plan(s), ensuring timelines, cost targets, and deliverable standards are met., • Monitor program performance and adjust priorities or tactics to ensure successful completion., • Provide routine updates to the Senior Manager of Program Management and present program status to senior leadership as appropriate., • Send timely weekly meeting minutes and updated schedules to program teams and leadership stakeholders., • Ensure all new program team members receive appropriate onboarding/orientation., • Develop and maintain tools, forms, records, and program histories to document activities, metrics, and lessons learned; ensure information is properly stored and accessible., • Track and report R&D activity alignment to key programs and compliance requirements, enabling capture of potential tax-related benefits at year-end., • Partner with Finance to ensure all program financials (P&Ls, COGS, margin assessments, etc.) are current and reviewed weekly within team meetings., • Recommend and help implement enhancements to Stage Gate, metric-tracking, ideation, and broader program management processes., • Manage and facilitate program core teams in alignment with established organizational policies and practices., • Promote high-performing cultural behaviors, including collaboration, trust, open/honest discussion, and a passionate problem/solution mindset., • Coach teams on expected behaviors, reinforce accountability, and recognize wins while ensuring quality and timeliness of deliverables., • Lead or assist in core team developmental activities and create process/training materials as needed. Required Experience, Skills & Qualifications • 5–10+ years of hands-on experience leading or facilitating cross-functional project/program management in a Program Manager or similar role., • Strong computer and project management system proficiency, including tools such as Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and OneNote., • Demonstrated ability to operate flexibly and adapt quickly to shifting priorities with a forward-looking, continuous improvement mindset., • Strong ethical judgment and commitment to honest, values-aligned decision-making., • Proven capability to identify and escalate NPD risks that could jeopardize timelines or create avoidable company exposure., • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to communicate clearly, thoroughly, and in a timely manner using appropriate tools and techniques., • Strong creativity and innovation mindset—able to identify unique ways to improve processes and create new opportunities., • Track record of fostering teamwork, driving alignment, and influencing senior stakeholders toward shared goals., • Strong decision-making skills grounded in urgency, risk assessment, and organizational priorities., • Highly organized and capable of independently managing priorities, timelines, and program data., • Strong strategic planning and execution skills, including goal setting, action planning, and outcome evaluation., • Excellent problem-solving capability—able to identify root causes, assess options, and recommend or implement effective solutions. Educational Requirements • Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Chemistry, Engineering, Business, or similar)., • Strongly preferred: Program or Project Management certification (e.g., PMI or equivalent). #LI-DNI