Program Manager

Vertiv • Delaware, OH

4d

About The Position

The New Product Development Program Manager will be instrumental in leading the
development and successful launch of state‑of‑the-art edge data center
solutions, with a strong emphasis on software‑driven, hybrid hardware/software
programs. This role is responsible for managing both global and regional New
Product Development and Introduction (NPDI) programs from initial concept
through commercialization, including development, integration, verification, and
controlled market release of software, firmware, and enabling services. It
combines strategic oversight with a hands-on approach to ensure that projects
are completed on time, within scope, and on budget, while effectively managing
multiple workstreams throughout the product life cycle.

In this role, the New Product Development Program Manager will work closely with
cross-functional teams—including engineering, operations, sales, and
marketing—to ensure seamless coordination and execution of all project phases.
This role requires exceptional leadership, and the ability to achieve results in
a fast-paced, dynamic environment. A solid understanding of edge data center
technologies, coupled with strong program management expertise, is essential to
drive efficient project execution and deliver high-performance solutions.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of Phase-Gate NPDI processes and methodologies.
• Leadership capabilities that foster teamwork, accountability, and problem-solving across diverse, global teams.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a proactive, self-starting mindset.
• Experience in strategic planning, risk management, and change management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical discipline; equivalent work experience will be considered.
• 3-5 years of program management experience within the critical IT systems space or a similar technical field, with a successful track record in delivering complex programs.
• Proficiency in project management and execution tools such as Smartsheet, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint, with the ability to establish and maintain scalable program tracking mechanisms.
• Experience managing software‑centric or hybrid programs with frequent iteration, phased release models, and evolving requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in matrixed, globally distributed teams, driving accountability without direct authority.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with edge data center products is highly desirable.
• Project Management Professional (PMP), CAPM, PMI-ACP, or an equivalent certification is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Lead and manage global and regional programs within the IT Solutions portfolio, ensuring all timelines, deliverables, and budgetary requirements are met. Provide strategic guidance to project teams and foster a collaborative environment.
• Own Day‑to‑Day Execution: Own day‑to‑day execution of assigned programs, including maintaining integrated schedules, tracking deliverables across engineering, quality, operations, and commercial teams, and actively driving closure of open actions.
• Comprehensive Planning & Execution: Develop and maintain detailed program schedules using enterprise tools (e.g., Smartsheet), allocate resources, and monitor progress via weekly execution reviews, metrics, and milestone health indicators. Oversee all stages of the product life cycle, ensuring compliance with the New Product Development and Introduction (NPDI) phase gate model. Manage NPDI artifacts and phase gate readiness, including Gate reviews, entry/exit criteria, corrective action plans, and schedule recovery plans.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify risks and challenges through continual engagement with workstream owners, dependency tracking, and issue escalation mechanisms, and develop mitigation strategies to ensure program success. Develop and implement mitigation strategies to ensure program success, while maintaining momentum in high-stakes situations. Own schedule slip reporting, including root cause analysis, documented recovery actions, and communication to leadership forums.
• Stakeholder Communication: Deliver clear and concise status updates and program insights to diverse stakeholders through established governance forums (e.g., weekly Project Status Reviews, cadence calls, and leadership reviews). Tailor communication for senior leadership, technical teams, and external partners. Prepare and maintain standardized program communications, including executive summaries, decision requests, risk dashboards, and action logs.
• Problem Solving & Creative Solutions: Balance business and technical requirements, driving discussions to find creative solutions that meet both operational needs and technical constraints. Act as the primary integrator across software, firmware, hardware, and operations, resolving cross‑functional conflicts, prioritization issues, and resource constraints that impact delivery commitments.
• Execution & Governance: Own and maintain program execution systems, including schedules, action trackers, and decision records. Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all program data used for leadership reporting. Enforce program operating rhythm, including agenda preparation, meeting facilitation, and follow‑up on assigned actions. Maintain program documentation repositories and ensure artifacts are audit‑ready at all times.
• Success criteria: Success in this role is defined by predictable program execution, transparent communication of risk and status, disciplined NPDI gate readiness, and on‑time delivery of committed milestones.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level