Job Description
Job Description
As a Program Manager within Footprint's Program Management Office (PMO), you will drive the future of our technology and product portfolio by leading complex, cross-functional programs aligned with key business objectives and focused on delivering significant customer value. Reporting to Director, PMO, you will oversee interconnected projects, and manage high-level stakeholder relationships to ensure the successful launch of innovative and impactful products. Your responsibilities include establishing and championing program management best practices, proactively identifying opportunities for alignment and process optimization to enhance Footprint's growth and competitive advantage. Collaborating closely with engineering leaders, product managers, and other stakeholders, you will navigate technical challenges, mitigate risks, and ensure seamless delivery of high-quality solutions. Your expertise in translating technical complexities into actionable program plans and your ability to effectively communicate across diverse teams will be pivotal to your success.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Program definition and planning: Collaborate with the New Product Development teams to establish objectives, scope, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for programs, ensuring alignment with Footprint's overall business strategy and product roadmap.
- Cross-Functional leadership and collaboration: Lead and inspire cross-functional teams, including engineering, technical, supply chain, manufacturing, and commercial teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment to achieve program goals.
- Stakeholder management and communication: Cultivate, influence and maintain strong relationships with department leadership, key customers, and internal stakeholders, effectively communicating program vision, progress, risks, and strategic implications.
- Program governance and reporting: Establish and manage program governance structures, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes. Develop and present comprehensive program status reports to department leaders, highlighting key milestones, risks, and financial performance. Ability to identify deviations, analyze variances, and communicate findings effectively to stakeholders.
- Risk and opportunity management: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks across the program lifecycle. Bring forth opportunities to enhance program outcomes and deliver greater value.
- Financial Acumen: Apply basic financial principles to program management, including budget tracking, cost analysis, and resource allocation to ensure program profitability and efficiency.
- Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement: Analyze existing processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement to recommend and implement data-backed process optimizations.
- Customer Engagement: Partner with the sales team and serve as a technical liaison for key customer engagements related to program timelines and other technical concerns.
- Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by manager.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proven ability to successfully manage, build, and deliver programs within a manufacturing or product development environment.
- Ability to understand the broader business context, including financial impact, align program objectives with strategic goals, and make sound business decisions.
- Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, and drive alignment towards a common vision; with established stakeholder management skills to build strong relationships, manage expectations, and negotiate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, including executive leadership and key customers.
- Strong understanding of program budgeting, financial forecasting, and ROI analysis.
- Proven skills to identify, assess, and proactively manage operational risks and issues.
- Strong understanding and practical application of various program management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid) and proficiency in program management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Portfolio Management tools).
- Ability to analyze situations, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in project management, engineering, or a related field, required.
- PMP, Lean Six Sigma, Prince or similar certification, required.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in project and program management, with a significant focus on program delivery and new product introductions in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of financial management principles related to programs.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and strategically driven environment.
- Proficiency in program and portfolio management software.
Additional preferred qualifications include:
- Experience in sustainable packaging, or consumer goods manufacturing
- Experience with 7 step problem solving
- Experience managing international or global programs
Benefits
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, prescription, dental, and vision care plans as well as HSA / FSA accounts.
- Insurance Protection: Basic term life, accidentals, short- and long-term disability, and voluntary life insurance coverage.
- Financial Security: Short and long-term disability plans, along with a 401(k) retirement plan.
- Time Off Support: Flexible time off program, paid holidays, sick leave, and parental leave benefits.
- Lifestyle Benefit: Voluntary Pet Insurance.
NOTE: This position is not eligible for a relocation benefit.