Strategic Program Manager

Role Description

As a Strategic Program Manager (SPM) at MISUMI Americas, you'll partner with leading enterprises and innovative startups to accelerate product launches without sacrificing quality. Acting as a trusted advisor, you'll bring deep expertise in engineering, operations, quality, and logistics to guide customers through every stage — from New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) through mass production.

You'll work cross-functionally with Sales, Solutions Engineering, and Fulfillment teams to scope, plan, and execute complex programs, ensuring products launch on time, within budget, and at the highest quality standards. Your ability to align internal teams with customer goals will be central to delivering consistent, measurable value across the full product lifecycle.

Beyond program execution, you'll play an active role in continuous improvement — identifying opportunities to refine internal processes and drive operational enhancements that make MISUMI Americas an even stronger partner for its customers.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Act as the primary customer advocate, building strong relationships to deliver high-quality customer experiences that drive long-term loyalty.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with pre- & post-sale teams to ensure on-time delivery while proactively managing risks and changes throughout the program lifecycle.
• Leverage your technical expertise in engineering and manufacturing alongside strong program management skills to identify risks early, develop risk mitigation plans, and manage changes to keep projects on track.
• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the program, providing valuable insights and guidance to both internal teams and customers to ensure alignment and clarity.
• Monitor and report program milestones making necessary adjustments to timelines and deliverables, to meet customer expectations and maintain high-quality standards.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Facilitate regular status meetings with customers and internal teams to clearly communicate requirements, timelines, and quality standards, ensuring alignment and proactively resolving any blockers.
• All employees are expected to maintain and contribute to the QMS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience managing projects/programs in fast-paced engineering or manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on experience with New Product Development (NPD), New Product Introduction (NPI), and high-volume manufacturing facilities.
• Expertise in one or more manufacturing processes, such as CNC Machining, 3D Printing, Injection Molding, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Die Casting, or Assembly.
• Customer-Facing Experience to lead complex, consultative technical sales engagements, leveraging operational expertise to drive success.
• Strong program management, risk management, and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines within a structured framework.
• Proficiency in standard program management tools and software used for tracking, communication, and reporting across distributed teams.
• Self-starter, with strong business acumen and a customer-first mindset, capable of solving problems and building deep, meaningful relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrates a focus on process optimization, service enhancement, and driving customer success.
• Passionate about learning, building solutions, and tackling challenges.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with experience working across multi-cultural, cross-functional teams.

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401K plan.
• Monthly Virtual Work stipend for things like food, internet, travel, pet care, health and wellness.
• Annual Education stipend.
• Parental leave programs.
• Paid volunteer days.
• Onboarding setup, including: standing desk, laptop, monitor, and chair, and a stipend for additional items such as headphones, blue light glasses, or any other ergonomic supplies you may want or need.
• And much, much more!

Company Description

MISUMI Americas, a division of MISUMI Group, is a leading provider of standard, configurable, and custom manufacturing solutions. By integrating a vast catalog of components with a world-class digital manufacturing platform, MISUMI Americas empowers engineers and procurement teams to accelerate innovation across the entire product lifecycle. With operations in the San Francisco Bay Area and Chicago, the company serves as a vital partner for the most innovative companies in the Americas.