Program Management Leader-NPI

Cretex • Brooklyn Park, MN

11d • $112,000 - $168,000

About The Position

The NPI Program Management Leader will spearhead our NPI Program Management team (and oversee a dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional project management services. This role is pivotal in driving high-quality process development projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to specification. The NPI Program Management Leader will empower Program Managers to champion customer needs and play a crucial role in project prioritization, proposal development, standards of project management execution, and quoting processes.

Requirements

• Associate degree or commensurate experience in a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in Program/Project Management.
• 7 years in a contract manufacturing or engineering role.
• Extensive experience in medical device contract manufacturing.
• Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Excel, Microsoft Project) for managing multiple projects simultaneously and effectively communicating status.
• Knowledge of ISO 13485 and FDA regulations.
• Strong understanding of MRP and DFM principles.
• Experience with CAPA systems and Lean Manufacturing.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational capabilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• PMP Certification.
• Engagement in continuing education, including participation in industry associations and organizations.
• Experience with product realization and/or NPI/NPD phase gate approach
• Previous leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor the Program Management team to effectively oversee customer and manufacturing programs through our project management system.
• Cultivate strong, collaborative partnerships with both internal teams and external customers to meet and exceed program objectives.
• Oversee customer project portfolio to ensure all requirements, scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations are met.
• Promote teamwork across departments to drive seamless project execution.
• Champion customer needs throughout the organization, ensuring timely progress on programs.
• Maintain a deep understanding of our manufacturing capabilities and processes relevant to the medical device industry.
• Provide strategic input to support functions (e.g., Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, Planning) on quotes, contract reviews, and system enhancements.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and operations teams to uphold gross margin targets and deliver cost-effective solutions.
• Oversee the successful transition of projects into production.
• Lead communication efforts and updates on project portfolio status to the greater organization
• Drive and lead systems improvements for the PMO
• Create and Report out on PMO team metrics/KPIs
• Accurately assess customer needs and the core markets we serve.
• Ensure business systems are effectively implemented, maintained, and operational.
• Define goals and performance expectations aligned with Cretex company objectives, and manage personnel in accordance with corporate policies.
• Maintain professional, timely communication with all departments and customers.
• Support adherence to the company’s Quality System, ISO standards, and medical device regulations.
• Participate in our Operational Excellence Program and promote continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Our 401k retirement savings plan with a company match contribution; onsite health clinics, discretionary holiday bonus program (based on years of service), Cretex University, 24/7 employee assistance program with access to five confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost, wellness program with incentives, an employee death benefit, and employee sick and safe leave are available to all Cretex employees.
• Cretex’s medical benefit package includes: comprehensive medical insurance with access to virtual providers; dental insurance (Little Partners Dental benefit covers services 100 percent for children 12 and younger when seen by a Health Partners in network provider); vision insurance; a pre-tax health savings account, healthcare and dependent care pre-tax reimbursement accounts; paid holidays, paid time off; and our discretionary profit sharing program are available to employees working 20+ hours/week.
• Parental Leave, accident and critical illness benefits, optional employee, spouse, and child life; short and long term disability; company provided life insurance; and tuition assistance programs are available to employees working 30+ hours per week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees