As the Program Manager you will be instrumental in establishing and evolving the program management discipline within the company. Your primary focus will be on developing and implementing a robust program management framework, starting with our Innovation roadmap. This role is central to driving strategic objectives through effective project coordination and resource management. As the program matures, you will expand this framework to encompass operations and other functions, enhancing overall organizational efficiency. This role demands strategic planning, execution, monitoring, and comprehensive stakeholder engagement. We are looking for a passionate individual ready to make a transformative impact on our project management processes and overall business success.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Planning
Define and implement a company-wide program management framework/discipline including scope, objectives, deliverables as well as recommendations for technology support, etc. as appropriate.
Partner closely with key stakeholders in developing detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and milestones.
Guide key stakeholders in the effective allocation of resources across projects.
Program Execution & Monitoring
Manage project interdependencies.
Monitor project performance and progress to ensure adherence to schedules, budgets and quality standards.
Assist in adjusting project plans as necessary.
Support the identification, reporting and mitigation of project risks.
Program Reporting & Documentation
Collect necessary and relevant project performance KPI data.
Develop, maintain, and distribute weekly program status reports and performance dashboards to senior management.
Maintain program documentation and capture lessons learned.
Provide leadership in selecting and implementing the ideal project management systems and tools to support strategic objectives.
Stakeholder Management & Communications
Establish and facilitate a weekly Project Status Meeting to review and discuss critical KPIs for all active projects.
Lead these meetings, leveraging weekly status reports and performance dashboards.
Ensure continuous communication with all relevant project and program stakeholders.
Foster collaboration and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders.
Attend and participate in all relevant project status meetings.
Strategic Alignment
Ensure all active programs align with organizational goals and strategic objectives.
Contribute to long-term planning and decision-making with management.
Performance Metrics:
On-time project completion.
Stakeholder satisfaction.
Alignment of program outcomes with strategic goals.
Effective and accurate program and project status reporting.
Qualifications/Experience/Skills Required:
Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field (i.e., Business, Engineering, Management)
5+ years' experience in project management
2+ years of experience in program management.
Extensive project management systems and tools usage experience and knowledge
Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
Demonstrated proficiency in project management systems and tools.
PMP or PgMP certification is desirable but not required.
Project management experience in the chemical manufacturing or consumer products industry is desirable but not required.
Competencies Required:
Champions Change - Embraces a work environment that encourages creative thinking and innovation. Seeks new responsibilities and opportunities for growth. Initiates when necessary, taking action quickly to correct and seek immediate resolution. Is open to and enthusiastic about new ideas, programs and procedures. Shows personal flexibility and responsiveness to change. Demonstrates willingness to learn from others. Helps others get on board with needed change by inspiring and engaging them with consistent open communication.
Customer Focused - Anticipates and delivers on customer requirements, expectations and needs. Deliver on customer commitments. Ensures exceptional customer experiences. Learns from including mistakes and helps others to do the same.
Critical Decision Making - Uses critical reasoning using relevant facts; evaluates alternatives. Makes decisions with positive intentions consistent with company direction, goals, and values. Seeks input from others when needed, reaching clear consensus and timely closure. Employs high ethical standards in all business activities with customers, suppliers and team members; does not compromise honesty, integrity, or reputation; complies with all applicable laws and company policies. Makes timely decisions with clear accountabilities. Escalates decisions to higher levels when necessary.
Effective Communication - Listens well; succinctly and directly. Considers the audience and effectively conveys messages for desired impact. Shares information openly; keeps others informed and engaged. Open, credible and consistent messaging.
Project Management - Apply knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to meet project requirements and achieve specific goals. Provide effective planning, organizing, and resource management, along with proactive risk management and clear stakeholder communication. Demonstrate adaptability, strong leadership, and a commitment to delivering projects on time, within scope, and on budget.
Results Driven - Accomplishes objectives and tasks on time; performs expected follow-up. Strives for continuous improvements; creates efficiencies and improves productivity; optimizes resources and minimizes waste; comes up with new ideas to achieve desired results; consistently looks for better ways of doing things. Plans and prioritizes work to ensure results and deadlines are met. Seeks clarification from manager or team members when priorities are unclear or appear to be conflicting. Holds self and others accountable.
Team Orientation - Develops and maintains effective working relationships at all levels internal and external; displays personal concern for others; works with all employees in an environment of trust, candor, information sharing and mutual respect; Collaborates with others, within own function and across functions. Maintains open communications, candid, shares information, shows respects and leverages diverse ways of thinking. Builds effective long-term relationships with peers and management.