Senior PMO Manager – Engineering & Lab environment
About The Position
Our client is an advanced materials startup (well-funded) company developing revolutionary materials with applications across multiple industries. As their organization grows, they need a high-performance Program Management Office (PMO) to support the successful execution of cross-functional engineering, operational, and commercialization initiatives. The Senior PMO Manager will play a critical role in shaping their program governance structure and driving organizational alignment. This is an opportunity to join an innovative team looking to rapidly grow and develop new solutions to previously unsolvable problems. The Senior PMO Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of MPI’s Program Management Office and ensures that programs and projects are delivered in alignment with organizational goals, priorities, and performance expectations. This role provides leadership in defining PMO standards, processes, and tools while managing a team of project managers and partnering closely with functional leaders across R&D, engineering, operations, quality, and business functions. This is a strategic and operational role requiring strong program management expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to navigate dynamic, growing organizational environments.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or a related field.
- 4+ years of managerial experience in a PMO or program/project management leadership role.
- Experience in working in a laboratory and manufacturing environment
- Experience working with engineers in a fast-paced environment
- Proven ability to lead complex, multi-departmental projects or programs.
- Experience with PMO governance frameworks and project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, hybrid approaches).
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Sense of humor….you will be herding engineers (cats)
Nice To Haves
- Expertise in the following areas: Change Management, Needs Analysis, Program Management, Project Controls, Project Development, Project Estimation, Project Evaluation, Project Lifecycle Management (PLM), Project Planning, Project Scheduling, Project Scoping, Technical Project Management, and Project Management Software.
- PMP, PgMP, or other project management certifications are a plus.
- Experience with technical or engineering environments, particularly in chemicals, materials, or manufacturing, is advantageous.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily activities within the Program Management Office, ensuring consistent application of project management methodologies, tools, and standards.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and oversight to project management staff, ensuring high performance and continuous development.
- Establish and maintain PMO policies, governance frameworks, templates, and best practices.
- Collaborate with senior management and department leaders to define, prioritize, and resource programs and projects aligned with corporate strategy.
- Make sure projects and other important matters do not fall through cracks between departments; keep things moving forward and on track.
- Support strategic planning through program-level insights, forecasting, and resource modeling.
- Provide input into budgeting processes and ensure financial alignment across active programs.
- Monitor project portfolios to ensure adherence to scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations.
- Facilitate project reviews and performance evaluations; oversee corrective actions and escalation management.
- Resolve complex or cross-functional issues requiring coordination with multiple departments.
- Lead and support change management efforts to ensure successful integration of new processes, systems, or organizational initiatives.
- Identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks across programs and projects.
- Drive adoption of continuous improvement frameworks to enhance PMO efficiency and organizational execution maturity.
- Work closely with cross-functional leaders to ensure alignment of project expectations, deliverables, and resource needs.
- Provide regular updates to directors and executives on program health, risks, and strategic considerations.
- Support communication channels that promote transparency, accountability, and informed decision making.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
