Program Manager / Project Integrator – Mfg. & Distribution

Schluter Systems L.P•Plattsburgh, NY

13h•$120,000 - $170,000

About The Position

The Program Manager / Project Integrator is responsible for leading the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of new manufacturing and distribution facility projects. This role provides cross-functional leadership to ensure that site design, construction, equipment installation, regulatory compliance, permitting, IT, operational readiness, and go-live activities are delivered on time, on budget, and to specification. The Program Manager acts as the central integrator across engineering, operations, supply chain, IT, EH&S, quality, finance, and external partners to ensure seamless project delivery. Program Leadership & Integration Lead the full lifecycle of new plant programs from initial concept through commissioning, startup, and stabilization. Develop and maintain the master integrated project plan, ensuring alignment among construction, equipment procurement, process engineering, operations, and distribution workstreams. Serve as the primary point of accountability for program scope, schedule, budget, risks, and communication. Ensure cross-functional teams are coordinated, informed, and operating against common goals and critical path activities. Project Planning & Execution Define project milestones, success metrics, and key performance indicators for project completion and GO LIVE. Coordinate permitting, environmental compliance, and regulatory start-up requirements. Oversee plant layout development, including material flow, automation design, warehousing strategy, and production line configuration, etc. Establish and manage budget tracking, cost forecasts, and change control processes. Establish business meeting rhythms with cross functional teams to review schedule progress metrics, discuss issues and risks and develop recovery plans where necessary Stakeholder & Partner Management Lead communication across executive leadership. Facilitate as necessary vendors, contractors, and internal teams’ communications. Facilitate relationships with architects, general contractors, systems integrators, OEMs, and logistics partners. Ensure alignment between corporate strategy, operations leadership, and site-level execution teams. Operational Readiness Coordinate the ramp-up plan including hiring, training, equipment commissioning, validation, quality system deployment, and safety protocols. Drive readiness for manufacturing, warehousing, shipping, receiving, and inventory management processes. Lead risk identification, mitigation planning, and recovery strategies. Support the development of SOPs, work instructions, and maintenance plans as the facility prepares for GO LIVE. Continuous Improvement Apply lean manufacturing and project management best practices to improve project timelines, cost performance, and plant efficiency. Conduct post-project reviews and implement lessons learned for future ops major project upgrades or expansions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or related field (master’s preferred).
10+ years of large-scale project or program management experience, preferably in manufacturing, logistics, or facility expansion.
Proven track record of managing new plant construction, equipment installations, or distribution center launches.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, material flow, automation, and supply chain operations.
Excellent structured problem-solving skills and experience.
Experience leading cross-functional teams and working with senior leaders, contractors, and engineers.
Proficiency with project management tools and ability to learn new ones as necessary (i.e. MS Project, Planview, etc.).
Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation and communication skills.
Willing to travel 10-20% depending on project
PMP, Lean Six Sigma, Toyota Production Systems or similar training or certifications.
Highly organized integrator who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments.
Able to translate strategy into structured, executable project plans.
Strong influencer who builds trust and alignment across diverse teams.
Problem-solver with an operational mindset and a passion for plant startups.

Nice To Haves

Experience with automated distribution systems, WMS/WCS/WES, MES, or advanced manufacturing technologies.

Responsibilities

Lead the full lifecycle of new plant programs from initial concept through commissioning, startup, and stabilization.
Develop and maintain the master integrated project plan, ensuring alignment among construction, equipment procurement, process engineering, operations, and distribution workstreams.
Serve as the primary point of accountability for program scope, schedule, budget, risks, and communication.
Ensure cross-functional teams are coordinated, informed, and operating against common goals and critical path activities.
Define project milestones, success metrics, and key performance indicators for project completion and GO LIVE.
Coordinate permitting, environmental compliance, and regulatory start-up requirements.
Oversee plant layout development, including material flow, automation design, warehousing strategy, and production line configuration, etc.
Establish and manage budget tracking, cost forecasts, and change control processes.
Establish business meeting rhythms with cross functional teams to review schedule progress metrics, discuss issues and risks and develop recovery plans where necessary
Lead communication across executive leadership.
Facilitate as necessary vendors, contractors, and internal teams’ communications.
Facilitate relationships with architects, general contractors, systems integrators, OEMs, and logistics partners.
Ensure alignment between corporate strategy, operations leadership, and site-level execution teams.
Coordinate the ramp-up plan including hiring, training, equipment commissioning, validation, quality system deployment, and safety protocols.
Drive readiness for manufacturing, warehousing, shipping, receiving, and inventory management processes.
Lead risk identification, mitigation planning, and recovery strategies.
Support the development of SOPs, work instructions, and maintenance plans as the facility prepares for GO LIVE.
Apply lean manufacturing and project management best practices to improve project timelines, cost performance, and plant efficiency.
Conduct post-project reviews and implement lessons learned for future ops major project upgrades or expansions.