Director, Technical Project/Program Management

Job Summary

The Director of Technical Project/Program Management is charged with overseeing the delivery and execution of strategic programs, guiding a team of program managers, and driving results aligned with key performance indicators. This role emphasizes leadership and customer-focused solutions.

Located primarily in Atlanta, GA with options for Fort Smith, AR or Indianapolis, IN, the position follows a hybrid work schedule with office presence Monday through Thursday and remote work on Fridays.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a program management vision and strategy that aligns with corporate goals and market dynamics to enhance operational efficiency.
• Lead the application of the Navigator process for programs through to manufacturing acceptance and full production.
• Provide leadership by coaching, mentoring, and developing a high-performing team that promotes innovation, accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
• Design and lead initiatives focused on talent retention, succession planning, and enhancing employee engagement.
• Commit to ongoing leader and employee development to build capabilities, increase engagement, and sustain leadership pipelines.
• Manage multi-year product roadmaps across various categories.
• Direct the creation of strategic annual plans for New Product Introduction ensuring financial forecasts, budgets, commercialization, and training initiatives are aligned.
• Collaborate with finance and operations to align product investments with long-term corporate objectives.
• Steer cross-functional program teams to deliver solutions that meet customer, business, and manufacturing requirements, adhering to Navigator protocols.
• Monitor program performance, identify risks and issues, and implement corrective actions to meet schedule, cost, and quality targets.
• Present program updates to senior leadership and conduct post-launch reviews to extract lessons and drive improvements.
• Foster alignment and priority focus among functional leaders to maintain momentum on critical projects, optimize resources and resolve bottlenecks.
• Utilize negotiation and communication skills to keep stakeholders informed and engaged, overseeing product lifecycle management for profitability and market growth.
• Lead core and value stream teams in operationalizing product strategies aimed at cost, quality, and performance goals.
• Provide insights on program feasibility, timing, risks, and finances to support product management decisions and roadmap changes.
• Facilitate cross-functional problem solving involving engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, finance, and purchasing to accelerate decision-making.
• Oversee plant-related program activities ensuring launches meet schedule, budget, and quality standards.
• Maintain organizational clarity by proactively communicating program expectations, milestones, and impacts of changes.
• Manage capital expenditures and tooling milestones to keep investments and equipment readiness aligned with program needs.
• Ensure manufacturing readiness by validating equipment, processes, and capabilities for smooth production ramp-up.
• Promote faster time-to-market and quality improvement through cross-functional initiatives.
• Support team member development to enhance program management skills and foster a culture of high performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in product development or project management roles.
• At least 5 years’ experience leading business or functional teams in high-paced settings.
• Strong understanding of product development stage-gate processes including design, pricing, manufacturing, and sourcing.
• Proven ability to manage schedules, overcome obstacles, and consistently achieve time, cost, and quality commitments.
• Experience translating product strategies into actionable program plans using PLM and resource management tools.
• Analytical and financial skills to track program costs, control capital and tooling expenditures, and assess ROI.
• Ability to navigate complex matrixed organizations and collaborate cross-functionally to achieve project goals.
• Excellent communication, presentation skills, detail orientation, and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate complex topics to senior leadership in clear, actionable terms.
• Strong professional presence and relationship-building skills across organizational levels.