Program Manager

Program Manager Job Description

Position Title: Program Manager
Location: Lowell

Position Overview:
The Program Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the execution of complex manufacturing programs from initiation through delivery, ensuring alignment with our Client's mission, quality standards, and customer requirements. This role involves direct oversight of cross-functional teams and resources, focusing on achieving quality excellence, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction. The Program Manager will ensure on-time delivery of products, reduce costs, minimize defects, and achieve measurable performance improvements in line with our client's core values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Leadership:
• Manage the full lifecycle of manufacturing programs, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
• Ensure programs are delivered on-time, within scope, and within budget.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (engineering, production, quality, procurement) to align program objectives and milestones.
• Develop and maintain detailed program schedules, ensuring all deadlines are met, including Production Part Approvals (PPAPs).
• Act as the primary point of contact for customers, ensuring all customer requirements are met and expectations are exceeded.
• Quality Excellence & Continuous Improvement:
• Drive the company’s commitment to Quality Excellence (Zero Defects) by ensuring that all customer requirements are met in a cost-effective manner while achieving continuous performance improvement.
• Reduce customer concerns and Parts Per Million (PPM) defects by identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Promote and facilitate continual improvement initiatives to decrease scrap and rework.
• Ensure rigorous quality control procedures are followed at all stages of production and that all products go through at least three points of inspection.
• Customer Satisfaction:
• Maintain 100% on-time shipments to customer schedules and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction as measured by objective metrics (e.g., on-time delivery, product quality, and customer feedback).
• Address customer concerns promptly and work to resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Lead efforts to complete Production Part Approvals (PPAPs) on time and improve lead times in product development.
• Team Management & Collaboration:
• Lead cross-functional teams, motivating and guiding them toward successful program execution.
• Develop and foster strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and customers to promote collaboration and ensure program success.
• Provide regular updates and reports to senior management on program progress, risks, and performance metrics.
• Process and System Optimization:
• Oversee and contribute to the refinement of existing manufacturing processes and systems to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and meet customer requirements.
• Utilize tools like CAD, Zeiss CMM, Takisawa, Okuma, and Brother mills, and other advanced equipment to ensure high precision and quality.
• Identify opportunities for innovation in manufacturing processes to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Experience:
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in program management, preferably in manufacturing or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and product development cycles.
• Proven experience managing cross-functional teams and handling multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean).
• Experience with tools such as CAD, CMM machines (Zeiss, Brown & Sharpe, Muratec, etc.), and other advanced manufacturing equipment.
• Skills:
• Excellent project management skills, including scheduling, risk management, and resource allocation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills to quickly address and resolve issues that may arise during program execution.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.

Our Mission and Values:
Our client is a Tier 1 Supplier committed to delivering high-quality products on time and at competitive prices. Our customers come first, and we take pride in providing our employees with a safe and supportive workplace. We are a company that continuously seeks innovative solutions to meet the needs of our customers through cutting-edge technology, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a relentless focus on quality.

Our Technology and Equipment:

• Zeiss Contura with Scanning Head CMM
• Brown & Sharpe with Reinshaw Rotating Head CMM
• Muratec, Takisawa, Hwacheon, Hardinge Lathes
• Okuma, Brother, Makino Mills
• CAD and Omega Tool Setter
• Telesis Cameras, Part Tumblers, and Washers
• Part Balancers and more