Project Manager III

Premier Staffing Solution•Keene, NH

About The Position

The Senior Project Manager will lead and execute strategic, technical programs within the Company Incorporated Advanced Optics (AO) division. This role is responsible for guiding cross-functional teams, partnering with customers, and delivering innovative solutions that meet technical, schedule, and cost objectives. Key responsibilities include: Lead cross-functional technical teams to define, plan, and execute complex programs from initiation through delivery Develop and manage comprehensive program plans, including schedules, budgets, and resource allocation Ensure programs scale effectively across each development stage while meeting performance targets Continuously evaluate program value propositions and recommend progression or discontinuation to leadership Monitor changes in scope, customer requirements, and assumptions; assess impacts to strategy, risk, and business outcomes Partner closely with internal and external customers to maintain engagement, manage expectations, and interpret feedback Establish clear program messaging and oversee communication across leadership, stakeholders, and team members Build and manage robust business cases, including P&L and balance sheet considerations Identify commercial, technical, and manufacturing opportunities to strengthen program value Oversee product testing and validation to ensure performance, differentiation, and manufacturability Protect intellectual property and identify strategic control points Drive execution using Company Tollgate innovation and development process

Requirements

5–7+ years of experience successfully leading and executing technical programs
Proven ability to lead technical teams, solve complex problems, and drive strategic execution
Strong project management capabilities, including scope, risk, and timeline management
Ability to work effectively across commercial, technical, and operational teams
Skilled in managing resources, budgets, and program performance metrics
Experience building strong relationships with customers and stakeholders
Ability to translate customer needs into actionable program strategies
Strong decision-making skills combining analytical insight with practical judgment
Ability to guide technical direction by asking insightful, strategic questions
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to clearly articulate program direction, risks, and objectives at all organizational levels
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project
Experience with project management tools; scheduling, risk assessment, and scope control
Bachelor's degree in Engineering; Optical, Mechanical, or related field preferred
Associate's degree with significant relevant experience considered

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Optics or related field
Experience with Company's innovation or Tollgate processes
Background working with research, science and technology, or product development teams
Experience transitioning products from development (Stage 3–5) to manufacturing
Familiarity with SAP or manufacturing environments
Clear communicator with the ability to define vision and direction
Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and new program development
Creative problem solver with a results-driven approach
Highly organized with strong attention to detail
Self-motivated and proactive in driving outcomes
Process-oriented, with a focus on continuous improvement
Demonstrated success leading technical teams and delivering customer-focused solutions

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional technical teams to define, plan, and execute complex programs from initiation through delivery
Develop and manage comprehensive program plans, including schedules, budgets, and resource allocation
Ensure programs scale effectively across each development stage while meeting performance targets
Continuously evaluate program value propositions and recommend progression or discontinuation to leadership
Monitor changes in scope, customer requirements, and assumptions; assess impacts to strategy, risk, and business outcomes
Partner closely with internal and external customers to maintain engagement, manage expectations, and interpret feedback
Establish clear program messaging and oversee communication across leadership, stakeholders, and team members
Build and manage robust business cases, including P&L and balance sheet considerations
Identify commercial, technical, and manufacturing opportunities to strengthen program value
Oversee product testing and validation to ensure performance, differentiation, and manufacturability
Protect intellectual property and identify strategic control points
Drive execution using Company Tollgate innovation and development process