Program Manager, PMO

Keenfinity•Burnsville, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Lead and manage the Project Management Office (PMO) for the Critical Communications Systems business unit (including RTS Intercom Systems, Telex Aviation, Telex Radio Dispatch) within the Audio division of the Keenfinity Group. Responsible for providing leadership, coaching, and direction to Project Managers while directly managing strategic, high-visibility projects that support the organization’s growth objectives through New Product Development. This position is accountable for the successful execution of portfolio roadmap projects through effective project governance, resource planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and organizational alignment. The Program Manager serves as the PMO leader, establishing and maintaining consistent project management methodologies, tools, reporting practices, and performance metrics across the organization. Success in this role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, portfolio management expertise, and the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization. The position works closely with executive leadership, Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Sales, Marketing, and external partners to ensure projects are executed effectively and aligned with business objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technical Discipline, Business Management, Project Management, or related field required.
10+ years of progressive project management experience leading complex cross-functional projects.
5+ years leading major product development in hardware, firmware and software.
Experience managing project portfolios and project governance processes.
PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification or equivalent globally recognized project management certification. (incl PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification)

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree (MBA or related discipline) preferred.
Prior experience providing leadership, mentoring, or direct supervision of Project Managers preferred.
Experience within manufacturing, technology, communications systems, electronics, software, aerospace, or related industries preferred.
PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner)
PMI-DASM (Disciplined Agile Scrum Master)
PMI-RMP (Risk Management Professional)
Additional portfolio, program management, or leadership certifications

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the PMO organization, including direct supervision, coaching, performance management, and development of assigned Project Managers.
Establish and maintain project management standards, governance processes, tools, templates, and best practices across the organization.
Drive continuous improvement of project management capabilities, methodologies, reporting, and organizational project execution effectiveness.
Mentor Project Managers in project planning, risk management, stakeholder management, leadership, and project execution.
Ensure consistency in project management practices across business segments and product development programs.
Oversee the organization's project portfolio to ensure alignment with strategic objectives, business priorities, resource availability, and financial targets.
Serve as the Program Manager for strategic, complex, and high-visibility initiatives for New Product Development from concept through launch and project closure.
Lead multiple concurrent projects and programs with significant business, operational, customer, and financial impact.
Partner with executive leadership to prioritize projects, resolve resource conflicts, and align project execution with strategic goals.
Support annual planning activities, portfolio reviews, product roadmap execution, and business transformation initiatives.
Serve as the primary point of contact and Program Manager for assigned projects throughout initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closure phases.
Develop realistic and achievable project plans, schedules, milestones, budgets, and resource forecasts in accordance with organizational project management processes and product development methodologies.
Lead cross-functional project teams including Engineering, Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Logistics, Finance, Sales, Marketing, and external partners.
Ensure successful delivery of project objectives related to scope, schedule, cost, quality, and customer expectations.
Monitor project performance and implement corrective actions when deliverables, schedules, resources, or objectives become at risk.
Establish and maintain effective project risk management processes and mitigation plans.
Identify, assess, communicate, and manage project risks, opportunities, dependencies, and constraints.
Conduct resource planning and capacity assessments to ensure projects are appropriately staffed and supported.
Collaborate with functional managers to secure resources and address organizational constraints impacting project success.
Develop and maintain project dashboards, status reports, executive reviews, and portfolio reporting.
Communicate project health, risks, decisions, dependencies, and escalation needs to stakeholders and executive leadership.
Facilitate project reviews, steering committee meetings, leadership updates, and portfolio governance reviews.
Build trusted relationships with key stakeholders through effective communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, and organizational leadership.
Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and project execution excellence.
Influence decision-making across multiple functions and business segments.
Foster effective teamwork and organizational alignment while driving successful project outcomes.
Operate independently on highly complex business and technical challenges requiring advanced judgment and leadership.