Director of Programs- R&D

Werfen•Bedford, MA

About The Position

Job Summary Manage a portfolio of programs and projects that support a business line. The portfolio will contain both large multi-functional programs a set of hardware, software, and sustaining projects that support the business line. Provide direct supervision to program and project managers who have a responsibility for a program\project within a portfolio. Participate in the strategic planning process needed to implement the business strategy. The position requires regular interaction with all functions and levels of the organization from R&D scientists and engineers, marketing/sales, quality/regulatory, and operations, through executive management. Responsible for forecasting portfolio performance and providing recommendations for programs, projects or organizational changes needed to achieve business objectives. Integrates action with other functions and Directors on complex problems whose solution exceeds the approved portfolio boundaries. Authority of position is required to carry out assigned duties, except where expressly reserved by the senior management personnel or Werfen Corporate/Divisional Policy.

Requirements

BS in STEM field (engineering, chemistry, physics, etc.), MS/MBA preferred
Additional course work in accounting, business economics, strategy development, resource management and project management is desired
At least 12 years of experience, preferably in product development with at least 9 years successful technical leadership, project coordination, or project management are required
Requires full and comprehensive knowledge of the complete product lifecycle, including all aspects of product development from conception to manufacturing introduction
Strategic thinking
Leadership
Functional/technical skills
Strong project management skill set and familiarity with project management tools and techniques
Developing direct reports
Analytical skills
Strong oral and written communication skills
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Design Control

Nice To Haves

Experience in the development and release of multiple successful product launch of a medical instrumentation product is desirable
Portfolio management certification is desired

Responsibilities

Program Leadership : Provide technical and team leadership to a portfolio of programs. Develop vision/mission and business goals within the R&D or QA function that support the vision. Leadership entails team development, planning of portfolio, scheduling of portfolio, assignment of work, and technical support within the portfolio area. Drive the successful attainment of business line goals.
Project Planning and Scheduling : Responsible for integrating the program and project plans within the portfolio to maximize business objectives. This includes oversight of the project specifications, project milestones, and resource allocation between programs and projects. Ensures the generation of program plans that meet business objectives and the design control process, while maximizing resource efficiency.
Project Execution and Control : Responsible for conducting regular program and project reviews and milestone reviews. Ensures deliverables are completed and documented. Approve changes to program plans that are within defined program boundaries. Plan and conduct major program and portfolio milestone reviews.
Agile Project Management : Responsible for deciding when to employ the Agile methodology. Ensure adequate resources are applied to Agile projects.
Problem Solving Leadership : Responsible for coordination of business resources to assist program managers and project leaders to identify the root cause(s) of any program or project issues and assist in the implementation of resolution plans.
Risk Management Leadership : Responsible for ensuring program managers and project leaders are identifying and mitigating program and project risks, both technical risks and management risks. Identify risk trends and patterns across programs and projects and develop risk mitigation strategies for systemic or organizational risks. Regularly assess and report the status of overall portfolio risk.
Design Control : Ensure the program manager and project leader are in compliance with Design Control practices.
Communication : Responsible for communication to the business team and executive management concerning portfolio performance. Regularly interacts with executive management concerning portfolio status and strategic planning.
Vendor Management : Participate in the assessment, selection and approval of strategic partners.
Cross Department Collaboration : Responsible to ensure adequate resources and organizational awareness to support the creation of product launch support teams. Responsible for strategic alignment of product/change introduction to the market.
Conflict Resolution : Able to resolve conflict between project teams and between business functions through the application of listening skills, facilitation skills and negotiating skills. Able to remove oneself from the problem. Provides conflict resolution beyond the technical contributors and extends across the various departments of the organization including the local executive management team. Fosters a creative, professional climate that will maximize the contributions of all project and program team members.
Resource Allocation : Ensures that adequate equipment and material resources are available to advance the programs and projects within their portfolio to achieve business line goals and objectives. Works with other directors and program managers to ensure the best use of shared resources.
Supervision and Employee Performance : Demonstrated functional management expertise and skills in developing, mentoring and coaching others. Works with functional management to conduct performance appraisals and coaching for project core team members and makes recommendations about salary actions, reclassifications, transfer or termination. Provides direct supervision to Program Managers and Project Leaders assigned to the portfolio.
Strategy Development : Participates with top management in long-range planning concerning new or projected areas of technological research and advancements. Originates major new ideas for company projects and programs within the business line.
Budget Managed: Prepares and maintains budgets for the portfolio of programs and projects. Annual portfolio budget typically exceeds $10 million
Networking/Key Relationships: Works with business line managers to develop strategy and track the progress of the portfolio. Works with functional management to conduct performance appraisals and coaching for project core team members. Provide regular supervision for assigned Project/Program Manager(s).