Program Manager

Hendrickson•Woodridge, IL

18d

About The Position

The Program Manager II is responsible for the successful planning, execution, and delivery of product development, launch, and change management programs by leading cross-functional teams, managing program objectives and resources, and ensuring alignment with customer requirements, operational capabilities, and business goals.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, project management, or a related field is required.
A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a related field, including at least 5 years’ program management experience.
Ability to travel up to 10% of the time on an as needed basis.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex programs from concept through product launch and implementation.
Proven ability to manage project schedules, budgets, capital expenditures, resources, risks, and deliverables while balancing customer and business objectives.
Experience working directly with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to drive program success and resolve issues.
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Strong verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
Working knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, business case development, and return-on-investment (ROI) principles.
Advanced computer proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Project, and PowerPoint.
Experience utilizing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software, and project management tools.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in a related field is desired.
Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), and/or other relevant certifications are a plus.
Experience within an industrial manufacturing environment and/or commercial vehicle industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage cross-functional programs and projects to achieve business objectives, successful new product launches, and implementation of product changes.
Lead Simultaneous Product and Process Development (SPPD) teams and Current Products (CP) teams by establishing goals, defining deliverables, monitoring performance, and ensuring successful execution of program objectives.
Manage programs throughout the product lifecycle, including planning, development, launch, change implementation, and completion of required SOP4.4K deliverables in accordance with established schedules.
Develop and manage program plans, timelines, milestones, capital requests (CERs), budgets, and product objectives, including cost, weight, performance, quality, and timing targets.
Develop, monitor, and report program, project, and team performance metrics using standardized reporting tools and Quality Operating System (QOS) measures; provide periodic updates to leadership, including the SPPD Executive Committee.
Lead communication and collaboration among engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, supply chain, finance, customers, suppliers, joint ventures, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with program goals and timely resolution of issues.
Serve as the primary customer-facing lead for assigned programs, including facilitating launch meetings, managing stakeholder expectations, and coordinating communication throughout the program lifecycle.
Identify and mitigate program risks, resolve complex issues, remove execution barriers, and ensure successful delivery of program objectives.
Develop and execute program launch strategies to ensure readiness across all bill of material components while aligning manufacturing strategies with program and customer requirements.
Facilitate development of cost models and customer proposals by evaluating customer expectations, product strategies, freight considerations, and return-on-investment objectives.
Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory obligations.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance program execution, cross-functional collaboration, operational effectiveness, and business outcomes.
Perform other duties as assigned.