Program Manager

About the role

The Program Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing programs that align with organizational goals. This role involves managing multiple projects within a program, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring successful delivery within scope, budget, and timeline.

This position is located in Blacksburg, Virginia and is not telework eligible.

What you'll do

• Define program objectives, scope, deliverables, and success criteria in alignment with business strategy.
• Develop, maintain, and execute integrated program plans, including schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver program objectives on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Monitor program performance, identify risks and dependencies, and implement effective mitigation and contingency plans.
• Establish and lead regular program management reviews, including governance, escalation, and decision-making forums.
• Communicate program status, risks, issues, and progress through clear, structured updates to leadership and customers.
• Ensure compliance with organizational standards, policies, and applicable regulatory or customer requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement and best practices in program management, including workflow optimization, task simplification, and lead-time reduction.
• Define, track, and achieve effectiveness and efficiency KPIs for program execution and launches, ensuring on-time delivery of samples and PPAP submissions
• Manage resource allocation across projects and resolve priority conflicts to support overall program success.

• Own program financial performance, including cost control, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Serve as the primary interface between commercial, engineering, operations, and customers for assigned programs.
• Support change management and ensure controlled execution of scope, schedule, and cost changes.

 Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or a related field.

·         Minimum of 5 years of experience in program or project management, preferably within the automotive industry.

·         Demonstrated experience with APQP and PPAP tools in an automotive manufacturing environment.

·         Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and cross-functional coordination skills in a matrix organization.

·         Proficiency in program management tools and methodologies, with Agile experience preferred.

·         Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management capabilities.

·         PMP and/or PgMP certification preferred.

 Key Competencies

 ·         Strategic thinking and strong problem-solving capability.

·         Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.

·         Strong analytical skills with sound judgment and decision-making ability.

·         Collaborative, adaptable, and results-oriented.

·         Hands-on leader with the ability to lead and achieve results through influence within a matrix organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

 Wolverine Advanced Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer.