Senior Program Manager - Clair Global Corporation

The Senior Program Manager will lead and oversee the planning, execution, and successful delivery of multiple product development and manufacturing operations programs. This role combines the tactics of daily project and program management with strategic oversight, team management, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to elevate the performance of the division. The Senior Program Manager will mentor a team of 1-3 project and program managers, guiding them in best practices and ensuring the successful delivery of their respective programs.

This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong technical background, exceptional leadership skills, and deep expertise in formal product development processes such as Stage-Gate or Scrum. The successful candidate will bring structure, organization, and consistency to the project portfolio, act as a reliable source of information to those around them and be a steadying influence in the midst of changing requirements and conditions.

Some critical characteristics of the ideal Senior Program Manager include:

• Effectively leads others through influence and authenticity rather than positional authority.
• Prides themself on their desire to act proactively rather than reactively.
• Can effectively navigate project teams through the challenges associated with the competing forces of a project: scope, cost, time, and quality.
• Communicates effectively with all levels of an organization, from the individual contributor to the C-suite.
• Values the importance of accurate information and the need for a single source of truth when it comes to answering questions.
• Demonstrates an organized and prioritized approach to all they do and is able to help others achieve the same.

QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform the essential functions of this job while exercising independent judgment and discretion.

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in program or project management, specifically within product development or manufacturing operations environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field is preferred.
• PMP, PgMP, or similar project management certification is a plus.
• Proven track record of leading teams to deliver new products on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex, cross-functional product development programs with multiple stakeholders within formal frameworks such as Stage-Gate or Scrum, inclusive of manufacturing integration.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, including prototyping, compliance certification, supply chain coordination, and production ramp-up.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in risk management and mitigation strategies within program management.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Smartsheet) and familiarity with Agile methodologies is preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Lead the planning and execution of multiple product development programs, ensuring alignment with business goals, timelines, and manufacturing operations.
• Mentor and develop a team of 1-3 project and program managers, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, marketing, finance, operations, and manufacturing, to ensure successful program delivery and seamless integration with production processes.
• Develop and manage program budgets, timelines, and resources, ensuring optimal allocation and utilization.
• Oversee manufacturing-related projects and programs, including process optimization, production scaling, and coordination with supply chain teams.
• Identify and mitigate risks throughout the program lifecycle, ensuring proactive problem-solving and decision-making.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on program status, key milestones, risks, and opportunities, with a focus on manufacturing readiness.
• Drive continuous improvement in program management processes and tools, particularly focusing on enhancing the application of Stage-Gate or Scrum methodologies and their integration with manufacturing operations.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture within the program management team, promoting innovation, accountability, and excellence.
• Ensure all program documentation, including plans, reports, and lessons learned, are complete and maintained.
• Support the development of long-term product roadmaps and strategic planning for future product development and manufacturing initiatives.