Operations Program Manager

Jabil•Prince George, VA

22h•$79,400 - $142,900

About The Position

The Operations Program Manager (OPM) is responsible for leading and managing all phases of customer programs from inception through production while ensuring alignment with business objectives, operational excellence, and customer expectations. The OPM owns the implementation and execution of the Product Lifecycle Commercial Management (PLCM) process at the site and serves as the site leader for Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Lean Six Sigma initiatives. This position is accountable for program scope, cost, schedule, quality, and performance while driving cross-functional collaboration across EHS, Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, and Human Resources. The OPM leads efforts to improve operational performance, enhance customer satisfaction, reduce costs, develop organizational capabilities, and build a sustainable culture of continuous improvement. The role is responsible for ensuring PLCM discipline, Lean transformation, and continuous improvement activities are integrated into daily operations and long-term strategic objectives.

Requirements

Strong understanding of new product introduction (NPI), and manufacturing program management methodologies.
Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, Industrial Engineering, and continuous improvement deployment.
Experience leading cross-functional teams within a matrixed manufacturing environment.
Strong business, financial, and operational acumen.
Experience with project management, change management, risk management, and strategic planning.
Proven ability to influence without direct authority and drive organizational change.
Excellent leadership, facilitation, coaching, communication, and presentation skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, including statistical analysis and process control methods.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing business systems.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret engineering documents, operating procedures, financial reports, and customer requirements.
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related discipline required.
Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, Program Management, Continuous Improvement, or related leadership roles.
Experience managing customer programs and cross-functional project teams in a manufacturing environment required.
Demonstrated success leading Lean transformations, cost reduction initiatives, and operational excellence programs.
Experience in change management and organizational development.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Own and manage the site's PLCM process from quotation through end-of-life.
Lead cross-functional teams to ensure successful program launches, transfers, product changes, and lifecycle management activities.
Establish program milestones, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements.
Monitor program performance related to cost, quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction metrics.
Coordinate preparation of proposals, business plans, work statements, operating budgets, and customer deliverables.
Lead regular program reviews and business reviews with customers and internal leadership.
Identify program risks and develop mitigation plans to ensure successful program execution.
Serve as the primary communication interface between Operations, the Business unit, vendors, and internal teams regarding program performance and strategic initiatives.
Coordinate engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, quality, and operations activities to achieve program objectives.
Work closely with Business Unit and Operations leadership to identify opportunities for growth, operational improvements, and enhanced customer relationships.
Own the site's Lean Manufacturing and Lean Six Sigma strategy, roadmap, and deployment.
Partner with site leadership to develop and sustain a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Drive Lean transformation initiatives aligned with business objectives and customer requirements.
Lead value stream mapping, kaizen events, waste elimination activities, and process optimization projects throughout the site.
Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities that enhance productivity, quality, inventory management, delivery performance, and cost competitiveness.
Facilitate cross-functional improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, Industrial Engineering, and problem-solving methodologies.
Coach, mentor, and develop functional leaders, supervisors, engineers, and operators on Lean principles, tools, and behaviors.
Promote scientific problem solving, standard work, visual management, root cause analysis, and daily management systems throughout the organization.
Establish and maintain systems that support employee engagement, suggestion programs, recognition programs, skills development, and continuous learning.
Develop local Lean champions and continuous improvement leaders to ensure long-term sustainability of the Lean culture.
Serve as the site's subject matter expert for Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process excellence methodologies.
Track and validate savings, operational improvements, and financial benefits generated through Lean and PLCM initiatives.
Maintain integrity and accuracy of site continuous improvement metrics and reporting systems.
Collaborate with Finance to validate project savings and integrate improvement results into business financial processes.
Develop and deploy systems that provide effective feedback loops, performance visibility, and accountability.
Identify and implement best practices across operations and share successful methodologies across the broader organization where applicable.
Lead cost reduction initiatives and develop long-term strategies that improve profitability while maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction.
Contribute to strategic planning and business execution.
Lead by example and model company values, servant leadership, accountability, and continuous improvement behaviors.
Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, respect, learning, and innovation.
Provide coaching and mentoring to employees at all levels of the organization.
Partner with Human Resources to support leadership development, training programs, Lean certification pathways, and employee recognition initiatives.
Encourage cross-training, knowledge sharing, and workforce development to strengthen organizational capability and flexibility.
Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to support long-term business success.
Support and champion all company safety, environmental, quality, and compliance initiatives.
Ensure Lean and operational improvement efforts maintain compliance with regulatory, customer, and company requirements.
Adhere to all company security, ethics, and confidentiality policies.
Comply with all safety and health regulations associated with the position.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.