Program Manager

Program Manager / Projects Group Manager

Location : Dallas, TX (Onsite no remote)

Compensation : $100,000-$120,000/year + 10% bonus

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on, customer-facing Program Manager to lead complex manufacturing projects from start to finish while building and overseeing a growing Project Management function. This role sits within the Engineering Project Group and is responsible for quarterbacking the entire project lifecycle from contract handoff through execution, delivery, and closeout.

This is not a desk-only role. The ideal candidate is comfortable on a machining/manufacturing floor, thrives in fast-paced environments, and has the leadership presence and resilience to manage challenges as they arise. The Program Manager will lead by example, interface directly with customers, and establish scalable project management processes while mentoring and developing a team of Project Managers.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Customer Leadership

• Own the full lifecycle of manufacturing projects from kickoff through completion, ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives are met
• Serve as the primary customer-facing escalation point for complex and high-visibility projects
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, managing expectations and resolving issues proactively
• Negotiate change orders, delivery schedules, and project adjustments on complex programs
• Partner with Business Development and Estimating during pre-award and post-award project negotiations

Operational & Floor Engagement

• Maintain a strong on-site presence, regularly engaging on the machining/manufacturing floor to support execution and problem-solving
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and quality teams to ensure seamless project execution
• Participate in high-level supplier and vendor discussions and negotiations as needed

Team Leadership & PMO Development

• Lead, mentor, and oversee existing Project Managers while helping build and scale the Project Management team
• Provide direct supervision to 23 Project Managers initially, with responsibility to grow the function over time
• Partner closely with the PMO to align standards, tools, and reporting across projects
• Hire, train, and develop project management staff, conducting performance reviews and supporting professional growth
• Establish and standardize project management best practices across the organization

Process, Metrics & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and implement project management processes that support consistent, high-quality delivery
• Create systems to track project workloads, resource balancing, and team capacity
• Establish and monitor key project and department metrics, including cost, schedule, and profitability
• Conduct cost analysis and profitability reviews for assigned programs
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to project execution and PMO effectiveness

Travel

• Approximately 25% travel to customer sites and project locations across the United States

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Project Management, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of experience in project or program management within a manufacturing environment
• 2+ years of experience leading or supervising project management teams
• Strong customer-facing skills with experience managing high-stakes projects and escalations
• Comfortable working in a machining or manufacturing floor environment
• Proven ability to lead through challenges and maintain composure when issues arise
• Willingness to work fully onsite in Dallas, TX (no remote)

Preferred

• Experience within the power, industrial, or heavy manufacturing industries
• PMP certification or formal project management training (preferred, not required)
• Experience building or scaling a PMO or project management function