Program Manager

James Hardie•Wilmington, OH

12d

About The Position

The Program Manager defines project objectives, timelines, milestones, and deliverables, and ensures successful execution of projects and programs within budget and schedule. The role coordinates cross-functional stakeholders and supports cost-reduction initiatives, while serving as the connection point between Product Management and plant operations. It helps align product specifications and characteristics, supports timely product planning, and advocates for customers by using customer feedback, research, and competitive analysis. The position collaborates with Research and Development, Process Development, Supply Chain, Finance, Continuous Improvement, and plant teams to prioritize work, schedule trials, assess costs and savings, manage risks, improve processes, and track program performance. It also leads change-management efforts that foster a cost-improvement culture and identifies ongoing opportunities for cost optimization and operational efficiency. Travel is approximately 30% annually.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management or an Engineering discipline.
At least five years of experience in an Operations or Engineering function.
At least three years of experience managing large and complex projects.
Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate and drive team members who are not direct reports.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.
Strong organizing skills and training in formal project management tools.
Strong financial acumen, including understanding of basic financial metrics and financial statements.
Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.
Team-player attitude toward work and coworkers.
Ability to travel 30% annually.

Responsibilities

Define project objectives, timelines, milestones, and deliverables and ensure projects and programs are completed successfully within budget and timelines.
Collaborate with senior management, department heads, and cross-functional teams to gain support for cost-reduction initiatives and maintain alignment with organizational goals.
Serve as the connection point between Product Management and plants, ensuring alignment on product specifications, aesthetics, and characteristics.
Keep Product Management informed of project progress to support timely product planning and communication with Sales and Marketing.
Advocate for distributors, dealers, contractors, and homeowners by studying customer feedback, surveys, online reviews, and other research.
Assess competitive and substitute products, including their advantages and disadvantages.
Collaborate with R&D and Process Development, including recycling, to prioritize projects and anticipate milestones and next steps.
Coordinate with R&D, Process Engineering, Planning, ESH, Quality, and Production to schedule and execute trials on time.
Partner with Sourcing to evaluate vendor contracts and terms, negotiate, and identify cost savings through supplier management.
Coordinate with Planning on production trials, inventory strategies, and eventual production serialization.
Partner with Finance on cost-benefit analysis, financial modeling, variance analysis, and identification of cost drivers and inefficiencies.
Analyze financial data and metrics to track cost-reduction initiative progress, effectiveness, and return on investment.
Identify project and program risks and develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans.
Identify process inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste, and partner with Continuous Improvement teams to streamline workflows and improve productivity.
Establish KPIs to monitor cost-reduction program progress and effectiveness.
Prepare reports and presentations on program status, financial savings, and other relevant information for stakeholders and senior management.
Foster a cost-improvement culture and out-of-the-box mindset, and develop and implement change-management plans, communication strategies, and training.
Continuously identify opportunities for cost optimization and operational efficiency and stay current on industry practices, market trends, and emerging technologies.