Sr Program Manager

Position Purpose

The Sr. Program Manager offers crucial leadership to our organization, responsible for the overall project management - from proposal through client acceptance - on high volume and/or highly complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Owns the execution of project activities to proactively meet project cost, schedule, deliverables, and manages scope changes to achieve customer requirements from proposal to client acceptance.

• Serves as focal point for all communications between the customer and DWFritz, providing "Voice of the Client" input to company's Management Team and preparing and maintaining project status reports to be delivered to the customer on a regular basis throughout the lifecycle of the project.

• Is accountable for the commercial success, customer satisfaction and delivery of assigned projects.

• Develops and manages a Project Management Plan (PMP), individually and in a team environment that meets or exceeds client's requirements and expectations.

• Selects practices and methodologies to effectively plan and execute the project, blending phase gate/predictive project management principles with Agile development methods to optimize value delivery.

• Coordinates and participates in proposal development as required, including estimating project management efforts on projects and scheduling projects for proposals.

• Coordinates and manages the development of specifications and requirements.

• Responsible for the flow down of the requirements to the project team to ensure each team member is aware of his/her obligations.

• Collaborates with Engineering Leads to monitor and coordinate all aspects of the design process - mechanical layouts, details, assemblies, electrical controls, software development.

• Develops and manages the project schedule with input from various departments to ensure alignment with both internal and customer delivery commitments.

• Develops and manages a communication matrix and protocol with the customer to ensure engagement and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.

• Conducts regularly scheduled project team meetings both internal and with the customer.

• Establishes and maintains an open issues and action item list (internally and between DWFritz and client).

• Utilizes project schedule and WBS to determine resource requirements and manages those resources to meet project goals.

• Manages the scope and deliverables from vendors and subcontractors.

• Responsible for project closeout activities and document preparation for hand over to DWFritz Services team.

• Proactively manages both risks and opportunities and regularly communicates to the business and the customer as needed.

• Proactively follows the change management process to document and approve all changes that impact project cost, schedule or scope. This includes positive/negative and internal/external sources of change.

• Leads and provides project direction during problem resolution activities throughout the lifecycle of the project both internally and externally.

• Is responsible for periodic updates of project financials including but not limited to revenue budgets, cost budgets and forecasts, while maintaining communication to upper management/accounting on potential risk and risk resolution for assigned order or orders with same end-user/customers.

• Mentors and trains Project Managers and project team members in order to expedite development and improve project execution.

• Assists Director of Project Management with overall project prioritization, resource allocation and overall functional integration.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability adjust to changing project conditions and work under pressure to meet project deadlines in a multi-tasking environment.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize projects across large, matrix organizations, meeting both business and customer requirements.

• Demonstrated success developing and managing client relationships, especially in gathering requirements, setting scope, and managing through change.

• Demonstrated ability to make good decisions based on limited information.

• Demonstrated ability to lead a strong matrix organized team through the lifecycle of a project.

• Detail oriented, results driven, self-motivated and directed.

• Ability to problem solve and engage in continuous improvement activities.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to actively participate in team development and team-oriented processes and motivate others to do the same.

• Strong influencing and negotiation skills and the ability to apply both internally and externally.

• General knowledge of engineering practices, including design for manufacturability, maintainability, reliability, safety and machine shop practices.

• Strong background in automation, critical process timing, and Gage R&R requirements is preferred.

• Familiarization in engineering tools such as SolidWorks and PDM systems are preferred.

Education and Experience

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field is required for this position; a Master’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration is desirable.

• Must possess a minimum of 5 years proven experience in program or project management leading clients and team members through large/complex technology implementations with high value capital equipment purchases in a fast pace environment.

• Experience with equipment design, development, manufacturing and installation is required.

• Expert understanding of Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Discipline (Integration, Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Human Resources, Communications, Risk Management, Procurement).

Interpersonal Contacts

We are an ITAR protected facility and due to the nature of your role, you may encounter ITAR related project information. Your citizenship status will determine what access you have within the facility.

External to DWFritz

• Clients/Customers.

• Suppliers.

• Contract Partners.

• Subcontractors.

• Sales Representatives.

Internal to DWFritz

• Sales.

• Engineering.

• Operations (manufacturing, supply chain, logistics).

• Service.

• International counterparts.

Work Environment

• Fast pace, highly demanding deadlines.

• Open plan office layout, onsite requirement.

• Highly collaborative.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands listed here are typical for the role and may be modified upon request for reasonable accommodation. The employee may be working at a personal computer workstation for most of the workday, both in a professional office environment and on the shop floor. The position requires the employee to communicate with others including talking and hearing, sometimes in environments with significant ambient noise. The employee must be able to wear personal protective equipment and gear for much of the workday. The employee must be able to ascend and descend ladders, work in confined spaces, and be mobile / working on their feet for much of the day. The employee may occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; bend, stoop, kneel, and grasp.

Travel Expectation: 10-30%

Equal Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

The above description is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as a complete statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. All jobs require behaviors consistent with our Core Values and Culture.