Senior Program Manager (Contract Manufacturing)

Aston Carter•Spokane Valley, WA

2d•$83,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Program Manager leads strategic programs that are critical to revenue, profitability, and future business opportunities, with a primary focus on the New Product Introduction (NPI) process and Customer Produced Product Transfer (CPPT) in a contract manufacturing and electronic manufacturing environment. This role manages a designated market segment, mentors program managers, forms and directs cross-functional launch teams, and serves as a key liaison between customers and internal functional groups. The Senior Program Manager regularly reports NPI progress to Senior leadership, drives process improvements, and ensures programs meet cost, quality, and delivery targets while maintaining strong customer relationships and supporting long-term business growth.

Requirements

Minimum 5+ years of program or project management experience.
At least 2+ years of experience in contract manufacturing.
Seven years of cross-functional project management experience across two or more organizations, including at least two years in program management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Bachelors degree in engineering or business.
Strong understanding of the New Product Introduction (NPI) process and Customer Produced Product Transfer (CPPT).
Experience in contract manufacturing and electronic manufacturing environments.
Knowledge of cost accounting principles and proficiency in managing programs to timelines and budget.
Demonstrated program management and project management skills, including planning, execution, and risk management.
Experience with RFQ (Request for Quote) processes and strategic quoting.
Proven ability to negotiate and administer contracts.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical publications and reports.
Ability to clearly communicate and document information verbally and in writing.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, engineers, clients, and customers.
Applied skills in engineering mathematics, statistics, and business and economic analysis.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and handle multiple abstract and concrete variables.
Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project.
Critical understanding of business practices from the sales process through production.

Nice To Haves

Experience mentoring and developing lower-level Program Managers.
Background in managing strategic programs within a defined market segment.
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive regular launch meetings.
Experience generating and maintaining detailed action item lists and NPI checklists.
Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to work effectively with all levels of management.
Comfort working with complex financial models and program performance metrics.
Demonstrated ability to adapt business models and internal communication to meet evolving customer needs.
Track record of identifying process improvements and implementing change in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
Growth mindset with the ability to progress from a Program Manager role into a Senior Program Manager role and potentially into a Business Unit Manager role.
Professional communication skills suitable for technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

Manage the New Product Introduction (NPI) process and Customer Produced Product Transfer (CPPT) for strategic programs that directly impact revenue, profitability, and future business opportunities.
Provide frequent progress updates and formal reports on NPI activities to director-level and officer-level leadership.
Evaluate NPI processes and procedures, identify gaps, and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and time-to-market.
Oversee an assigned market segment by mentoring lower-level Program Managers and maintaining visibility into program status across the segment.
Form and lead cross-functional launch teams, schedule and drive regular team meetings, and ensure alignment on program goals and milestones.
Generate, track, and maintain cross-functional action item lists and NPI checklist archives to ensure accountability and program continuity.
Assess program risks, develop and implement mitigation strategies, and communicate changes and responsibilities across the organization.
Manage and mentor strategic quoting activities and the Request for Quote (RFQ) process, escalating critical issues to upper management when necessary.
Perform complex financial analysis for programs, including incremental margin, fixed and variable costing, absorption, departmental rate determination, and overall financial performance assessment.
Negotiate and administer contracts by applying a strategic understanding of the customers business scope, internal sales strategy, and the RFQ process.
Assess customer needs and adapt the business model and internal communication across functional groups to ensure program success and customer satisfaction.
Collaborate effectively with functional departments, identify potential areas of concern, and assist in resolving technical, operational, and commercial issues.
Generate, maintain, and publish periodic reports on cost, quality, and delivery, including revenue plans and product roadmaps.
Interact and communicate professionally and technically with all levels of management, customers, and internal teams in both written and oral form.
Present information clearly and respond to questions from small groups of managers, engineers, clients, and customers.
Apply engineering mathematics, statistics, and business and economic analysis to support data-driven decision-making.
Define problems, collect relevant data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to support program and business decisions.
Interpret a wide variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and work effectively with abstract and concrete variables.
Utilize Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project at an intermediate to advanced level to manage reports, schedules, and program documentation.
Maintain a critical understanding of business practices from the sales process through production, ensuring programs align with overall business objectives.