Director, Technical Project and Program Management

Overview

The Director of Technical Project/Program Management is charged with overseeing the successful delivery of strategic projects and programs, while leading a team of program managers. This role emphasizes fulfillment of critical KPIs, effective team leadership, and delivering solutions centered on customer needs. This position supports Rheem North America and can be located in Atlanta, GA; Fort Smith, AR; or Indianapolis, IN. The hybrid work model calls for in-office presence Monday through Thursday and remote work on Fridays.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement program management strategies aligned with company goals and evolving market conditions to maximize operational efficiency.
• Lead adoption and execution of programs in accordance with the Navigator process through manufacturing acceptance to full production.
• Provide leadership by mentoring, coaching, and developing a high-performing team that fosters innovation, accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
• Drive initiatives in talent retention, succession planning, and employee engagement to build a sustainable leadership pipeline.
• Oversee multi-year product roadmaps spanning various categories and ensure alignment with financial forecasts, budgets, commercialization, and training plans.
• Collaborate with finance and operations to align product investments with long-term business objectives.
• Lead cross-functional program teams to deliver products meeting customer, business, and manufacturing expectations while adhering to the Navigator guidelines.
• Monitor and drive accountability for program performance by tracking metrics, managing risks and issues, and executing corrective measures to meet schedule, cost, and quality goals.
• Communicate program status effectively to senior leadership and conduct post-launch reviews to identify lessons learned and areas for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with functional leaders to align priorities, optimize resource allocation, and eliminate bottlenecks ensuring timely delivery.
• Utilize negotiation and communication skills to sustain stakeholder engagement and adherence to program goals throughout the product lifecycle, managing profitability and market share growth.
• Lead core and value stream teams to operationalize product strategies, fulfilling cost, quality, and performance commitments.
• Provide insights on feasibility, timing, risk assessment, and financial impacts to assist Product Management in roadmap adjustments.
• Facilitate cross-functional problem resolution involving engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, finance, and purchasing to expedite decision-making and address constraints.
• Manage and coordinate plant program activities with site and functional leaders to ensure product launches meet timing, budget, and quality expectations.
• Maintain clear communication of expectations, deliverables, milestones, and changes affecting program execution across the organization.
• Oversee capital and tooling investments, ensuring equipment readiness aligns with program milestones and resource requirements are prioritized effectively.
• Confirm manufacturing readiness by validating equipment, processes, and capabilities to guarantee smooth production ramp-ups.
• Identify opportunities to accelerate market entry and improve quality outcomes by driving cross-functional initiatives that enhance program delivery efficiency.
• Enhance program management capabilities and foster a high-performance culture by coaching team members on communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in product development or project management.
• At least 5 years leading business or functional teams within a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of product development stage gate processes including design, pricing, manufacturing, and sourcing.
• Proven ability to drive projects to completion on schedule, on budget, and meeting quality expectations.
• Experience translating product strategies into executable programs using PLM and resource management tools.
• Demonstrated analytical and financial skills to monitor program costs, capital and tooling budgets, and evaluate ROI and cost-benefit scenarios.
• Experience managing matrixed teams and collaborating cross-functionally with department leaders to achieve project goals.
• Excellent communication and presentation capabilities with a focus on detail and accuracy.
• Ability to present complex topics clearly and effectively to senior leadership.
• Strong professional presence with skills to build relationships and influence stakeholders at various organizational levels.