Sr. Program Manager (Manufacturing) - Greeneville, TN
Position Summary
Reporting to the President of ARTAZN, the Senior Program Manager will oversee and lead large, complex projects from initiation through completion, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. This role involves leading cross-functional teams, managing project resources, and communicating with stakeholders at all levels within a manufacturing company. The Senior Program Manager is responsible for defining project goals, creating detailed work plans, managing project timelines, and mitigating risks in accordance with established PMO processes and program management methodologies. The role requires extensive experience in project / program management, strong leadership skills, and the ability to successfully manage complex initiatives delivering on time, within budget and meeting all scope requirements.
** Please note: This is NOT an IT project management role or project management of service related industries.
** We are looking for candidates that have significant experience with managing programs or projects for manufacturing companies.
Primary Functions
Leads and motivates cross-functional teams in the execution of complex projects, ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities, while fostering a collaborative and productive environment.
Develops and maintains a project schedule in Microsoft Project or an equivalent software platform utilizing advanced project management methodologies (e.g. Agile, Waterfall) which will be used as a baseline to gauge project performance. Updates and adjusts the schedule as the project advances, using it as a tool to maintain the targeted end date and to communicate status to key stakeholders.
Develop and oversee a portfolio of complex projects, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives.
Coordinate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project alignment and support. Effectively communicate complex project information tailored to different audiences.
Proactively identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies. Monitor and manage project risks and issues, escalating when necessary. Implement corrective actions to address deviations from project plans.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders. Provide regular project updates to stakeholders, including status reports, risk assessments, and change requests.
Facilitate project meetings, workshops, and presentations.
Develops and maintains project budgets. Track and report on project expenditures and financial performance.
Prepares proposals, business cases, and costs estimate for review with the leadership team to enable effective decision making on the disposition of an initiative.
Promotes and facilitates collaboration with business partner leadership teams, project stakeholders and team members, third party solution providers, etc.
Adheres to established change management standards / procedures to ensure disciplined, controlled and well communicated changes to applications and systems.
Conduct project reviews and post-implementation assessments to identify lessons learned.
Identify and implement opportunities for process and project management improvements.
Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in project management.
A strong leader who can effectively motivate, Mentor and provide guidance to junior project managers and team members with diverse skillsets
Knowledge and Skills
Exceptional leadership skills to plan strategically, lead change effectively, coach, develop and motivate a cohesive high-performing project team.
Advanced understanding of functional business processes across an organization, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
Exceptional customer service mindset and ability to manage escalations to resolve project related roadblocks.
Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with key stakeholders, business functional leaders and end users at all levels in the organization.
Possess strong problem-solving skills including problem analysis, organizational planning, project management, decision making. judgment, attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to create and manage schedules using Microsoft Project or similar software tools to estimate and schedule project tasks.
Must be well disciplined, self-motivated, and detail-oriented with the ability to work within a fluid environment. Excellent attention to detail, time management, organizational and problem-solving skills with ability to work within timelines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and the ability to interact with members across the organization.
Proficiency in the use of computers required with a strong knowledge of Microsoft office applications.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and demonstrate initiative.
Key Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business, finance, engineering, or information technology, or a combination of equivalent education and experience.
Minimum of seven years of experience with a proven track record of leading complex business projects for a mid-sized or larger organization, preferably in the manufacturing industry.
Experience in mentoring and leadership roles.
Project Management certification, such as PMP, PMI - ACP, etc. preferred.
MBA or advanced degree preferred.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift items weighing up to 30 pounds.
Ability to sit intermittently to use the computer, perform paperwork activities, and attend meetings in different buildings.
Intermittent standing and working to gain access to departments and areas within the facility.
Ability to climb stairs to gain access to upper-level work area.
Finger dexterity is sufficient to use a computer and to complete paperwork activities.
Visual acuity is sufficient to use a computer and to read and complete written documents.
Hearing sufficient to communicate with individuals by telephone and in person.