Program Manager

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.

Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

WHAT TO EXPECT

As a Project Manager V, you will lead complex, high-impact distribution center optimization projects across North America. This role is responsible for managing strategic initiatives that improve network performance, increase operational efficiency, enhance customer service, and support the long-term growth strategy of the Distribution Center organization.

The role operates at a highly strategic level, requiring advanced project management expertise, strong business acumen, and the ability to influence senior leaders across multiple functions. You will be responsible for driving projects from concept through implementation while balancing scope, resources, budget, risk, and change management requirements.

You will partner closely with Distribution Center Operations, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Finance, Information Technology, Manufacturing, and third-party partners to ensure successful execution of transformational initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Program & Strategic Leadership

• Leads large, multifaceted distribution center optimization projects with significant scope, complexity, risk, and business impact.
• Develops project strategies, governance structures, execution plans, and resource requirements.
• Aligns project objectives with North America Supply Chain and Distribution Center strategic priorities.
• Establishes project milestones, deliverables, success metrics, and accountability mechanisms.

Distribution Center Optimization

• Leads initiatives focused on warehouse optimization, network efficiency, automation, facility improvements, process standardization, and operational excellence.
• Evaluates current-state operations and identifies opportunities to improve productivity, cost, service, safety, and inventory performance.
• Recommends and implements process, system, and technology improvements to support business growth.
• Anticipates operational, business, customer, and industry changes and drives proactive improvement strategies.

Project Execution & Governance

• Manages projects from initiation through completion using formal project management methodologies and tools.
• Oversees project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, issues, and change control processes.
• Ensures alignment among stakeholders and proactively removes barriers to successful execution.
• Leads project reviews, steering committee updates, and executive status reporting.

Enterprise Problem Solving & Innovation

• Solves unique and complex business challenges requiring conceptual and innovative thinking.
• Develops creative solutions to improve distribution network capability and operational performance.
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives that produce measurable business results.
• Identifies opportunities to leverage emerging technologies, systems, and best practices.

Responsibilities (cont'd)

Executive Influence & Stakeholder Management

• Communicates complex concepts, project status, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
• Builds alignment among cross-functional teams with competing priorities.
• Influences organizational decisions through data-driven recommendations and business case development.
• Anticipates objections and effectively gains support for strategic initiatives.

Technical Leadership & Expertise

• Serves as a recognized project management subject matter expert within the organization.
• Provides leadership, coaching, and consultation to project teams and stakeholders.
• Shares best practices related to project execution, governance, risk management, and organizational change.
• Supports the development of project management standards, tools, and methodologies.

Organizational Impact

• Impacts operational, customer, project, and financial objectives by setting direction and allocating resources within assigned programs.
• Drives standardization of processes and best practices across North American distribution operations.
• Supports long-term capability development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contributes to the development of functional and operational strategies.

Requirements and Preferred Skills

ABOUT YOU

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Logistics, or related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• 11-15 years of experience in project management, supply chain, distribution, logistics, operations, or related environments.
• Proven experience leading large-scale, cross-functional projects with significant business impact.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of project management principles, tools, methodologies, and change management practices.
• Experience supporting distribution center operations, warehouse optimization, network design, automation, or supply chain transformation initiatives preferred.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, facilitation, and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in highly complex environments.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management certification preferred.
• Recognized as a subject matter expert in project management and strategic execution.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• No direct supervisory responsibility.
• Leads project teams and cross-functional resources through influence and project governance structures.
• Provides guidance and direction to project team members, stakeholders, and functional leaders.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in both office and distribution center environments. The employee may occasionally be required to walk extensive distances throughout warehouse facilities and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Frequent travel throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be required to support project implementation and site assessments. Noise levels vary by location. Required PPE may include safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, and high-visibility vests when visiting operational facilities.

Pay & Benefits

• Full-Time
• Salary Range: $140,000 - $170,000
• Bonus Eligible
• Relocation is not provided
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
• Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
• 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
• Tuition Reimbursement

Why Gates?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Work Environment

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.