Project Manager III

Premier Staffing Solution•Fairport, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a Senior Project Manager role to support various projects for the Company Advanced Optics (AO) division. The position is responsible for leading technical teams and collaborating with internal and/or external customers to define and execute programs that meet customer needs. The role involves defining and executing overall program plans, including project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation, to ensure programs scale appropriately through each stage to meet technical, schedule, and cost targets. The Project Manager will drive progress from initiation through delivery, reconfirming each program's value proposition at each stage and recommending program progression or elimination to leadership. Key responsibilities include monitoring changes in customer requirements or scope, assessing their impact on program strategy, business case, risk, resources, and value proposition. The role requires working closely with customers to maintain engagement, manage scope, and understand their perception of the product. The Project Manager will set key program messages and manage information flow to stakeholders, including business and corporate leadership, customers, and team members. A critical aspect of the role is developing and managing a compelling business case, including P&L and balance sheet implications, and identifying levers to improve the business case. The position also oversees product testing and evaluation, ensures intellectual property is protected, and utilizes the Company Tollgate process to direct program activities.

Requirements

BS in Engineering - Optical, Mechanical or related field (or experience in optics) (preferred), Associate's Degree with significant relevant experience (minimum).
5-7+ years with proven record of executing technical programs
Project management / leadership
Ability to lead technical teams in resolution of problems and execution of strategy
Ability to interact with customers, building strong relationships for success
Ability to work cross functionally (commercial, technical, technology)
Able to track and manage program spending, revenue, resources & schedule
Proficient use of Microsoft Office Tools (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project)
Able to set project direction using project management tools (i.e., MS Project, risk assessment, scope management, etc.)
Able to make sound decisions by blending analytical thinking with practical judgment
Ability to discern technical approaches by asking the right questions of the team
Strong formal and informal communication skills
Ability to articulate clear direction, risks and program purpose across multiple organizational levels (management to project team)
Able to define, prioritize & defend milestones
Applies appropriate process discipline / process controls, including modeling the appropriate behaviors to their teams
Candidates must be compliant with ITAR requirements and be US citizens or nationals.

Nice To Haves

MS degree or higher in optics
Ability to assist in the organization of systems for program management
Familiarity with Company innovation process
Knowledge and experience working with the S&T organization or other research groups
Experience with Stage 3 to Stage 5 transfer to manufacturing
Experience with SAP/manufacturing environment
Entrepreneurial attitude and approach toward the creation of new programs
Creative problem solver
Desire to create products and processes that grow the AO platform
Process discipline oriented. Follows established protocols and processes. Evaluates opportunities for improvements.
Organized, rigorous attention to detail. Self-starter/motivated
Experience leading internal or external technical teams in the creation of new products or services.
Demonstrated ability to work with customers is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

Leading technical teams and working with internal and/or external customers to define and execute programs and meet customer needs.
Defining and executing overall program plans, including project schedules, budgets, and people resource needs.
Driving progress from initiation through delivery, reconfirming each program's value proposition at each stage, and recommending the progression (or elimination) of programs at each stage to leadership.
Monitoring for changes in customer requirements/scope or other assumptions and determining the impact on program strategy, business case, business model, predicted level of risk, resource requirements, speed, and value proposition.
Working with customers during each stage to keep them engaged, to manage the scope of programs, and to interpret their perception of the product being developed.
Setting key program messages and managing the information flow related to program direction, issues, needs, and progress with key program constituencies.
Developing and managing a compelling business case (including P&L and balance sheet implications) and value proposition for the product relative to the division's strategy, market needs, and competition.
Identifying commercial, technical, and manufacturing levers to improve the program's business case.
Overseeing product testing and evaluation to confirm the initial value proposition, build fundamental understanding of the technology that enables continue differentiation, and ensure manufacturing implementation of requirements are met.
Identifying potential origins of strategic control, ensuring that intellectual property is protected.
Utilizing Company Tollgate process to direct program activities.