Director Project Management

MKS Instruments • Andover, MA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Project Management leads the Vacuum Products portfolio of strategic programs and projects. The Director of Project Management is accountable for the successful delivery of a portfolio of strategically critical programs spanning the Vacuum Products businesses. This role owns portfolio‑level outcomes, balancing speed, cost, risk, and value realization to achieve defined business objectives. Operating as a member of the VP/GM’s leadership staff, the Director leads both enterprise governance and hands‑on execution of high‑impact initiatives. The role requires strong judgment, executive presence, and the ability to drive alignment and decisive action across a highly matrixed organization. You Will Make An Impact By: Serve as a core member of the VP/GM’s staff, shaping portfolio strategy, priorities, and execution plans in support of business and market objectives. Own the end to end delivery of a portfolio of complex, cross functional programs, including direct leadership of mission critical, high risk, or strategically sensitive initiatives. Lead, mentor, and develop a high performing team of Program and Project Managers, ensuring appropriate resourcing, capability development, and accountability across the portfolio. Establish and evolve portfolio governance, stage gate discipline, and reporting mechanisms that enable predictable delivery while preserving speed and flexibility. Provide BU leadership with clear, decision ready portfolio visibility, including risks, trade offs, dependencies, and resource implications. Act as the primary escalation point for cross functional program issues, driving timely resolution and alignment across engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and quality. Chair executive level program reviews and customer engagements, ensuring transparent communication of progress, risks, and mitigation strategies. Lead continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen program execution, governance effectiveness, and cross functional operating rhythms.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of related experience required
• Demonstrated ability to balance governance enforcement with direct program leadership.
• Strong track record of executive level customer engagement and relationship management.
• Ability to travel up to 25%

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree is preferred

Responsibilities

• Serve as a core member of the VP/GM’s staff, shaping portfolio strategy, priorities, and execution plans in support of business and market objectives.
• Own the end to end delivery of a portfolio of complex, cross functional programs, including direct leadership of mission critical, high risk, or strategically sensitive initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high performing team of Program and Project Managers, ensuring appropriate resourcing, capability development, and accountability across the portfolio.
• Establish and evolve portfolio governance, stage gate discipline, and reporting mechanisms that enable predictable delivery while preserving speed and flexibility.
• Provide BU leadership with clear, decision ready portfolio visibility, including risks, trade offs, dependencies, and resource implications.
• Act as the primary escalation point for cross functional program issues, driving timely resolution and alignment across engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and quality.
• Chair executive level program reviews and customer engagements, ensuring transparent communication of progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen program execution, governance effectiveness, and cross functional operating rhythms.

Benefits

• MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director