Program Manager

Job Title

Own the delivery, profitability, and customer satisfaction for a portfolio of complex programs across key customer accounts. Lead cross-functional teams and a team of project engineers to plan, execute, and sustain NPD and continuous improvement initiatives—from quotation through validation, release to manufacturing (RTM), and ongoing support. Serve as the primary customer interface and internal program leader, accountable for scope, schedule, quality, and financial performance, while driving robust governance, risk management, resource planning, and executive reporting. Act as a people leader who mentors project engineers and elevates execution across the portfolio.

Supervises: Project Engineers; cross-functional project teams (dotted line)

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary program interface for assigned customer accounts; drive strategic roadmaps, growth opportunities, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead customer communications: program reviews, executive updates, commercial discussions (e.g., scope, timing, funding), and issue escalation/resolution.
• Ensure alignment between customer requirements, internal capabilities, and contractual commitments (SOW, PO coverage, deliverables).
• Own end-to-end program delivery across multiple projects: scope, schedule, risk, quality, and change control.
• Develop and maintain integrated master schedules aligned to quoted lead times and incorporate all customer deliverables; ensure routine updates and proactive stakeholder communication.
• Apply disciplined program management practices across internal and external teams, including action-item tracking, meeting minutes, priority setting, structured problem solving, and timely escalation.
• Lead, coach, and develop project engineers; set priorities, remove roadblocks, ensure consistent execution standards.
• Plan and manage resource capacity/utilization across programs (engineering, quality, operations, supply chain), balancing workload and timelines.
• Foster a high-performance culture with accountability to milestones, quality, and cost targets.
• Maintain strong financial oversight: budget adherence, cost tracking, forecast accuracy, and margin management.
• Manage scope through disciplined change control; ensure changes are documented, approved, and financially covered.
• Validate PO coverage and customer funding for all work performed; monitor labor charging and ensure accurate allocation and recovery.
• Support pricing, cost recovery, and commercial negotiations; partner with Sales on quotes and opportunity shaping.
• Establish and run program governance
• Deliver concise, data-driven updates to internal leadership and customer executives, including KPI dashboards, risk posture, and scenario plans.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with Operations to ensure a seamless transition into manufacturing; provide support post-RTM and drive resolution of early-production or sustaining issues.
• Oversee validation documentation (e.g., protocols, reports, summaries) and ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Champion right-first-time documentation and verification/validation rigor.
• Ensure adherence to applicable quality systems and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a safe work environment by following all company safety policies and procedures.
• Mentor and develop project engineers and junior engineers, providing guidance on program execution, technical growth, and professional development while supporting defined career paths.
• Advocate for assigned team members, ensuring individual performance objectives and development goals are aligned with site priorities, business objectives, and annual planning cycles.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with Project Engineers to ensure alignment on program expectations, workload, performance feedback, and personal development goals.
• Provide clear direction, constructive feedback, and support to enable consistent execution, accountability, and continuous improvement across programs.
• Partner with functional and site leadership to support performance evaluations, goal setting, and talent planning initiatives.
• Regular attendance and professionalism are required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering preferably Plastics or related field; advanced degree a plus.
• A minimum of ten (10) years' experience, preferably in the contact manufacturing within the Plastics Injection Molding Industry.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-disciplinary programs with direct customer ownership.
• Strong financial insight (budgeting, forecasting, margin management, PO coverage) and change-control discipline.
• Excellent written/verbal communication and executive-ready presentation skills; strong time management and organization.
• Proficiency with PM tools (MS Project/Smartsheet), Microsoft Office, ERP (e.g., IQMS), and working knowledge of 3D CAD (e.g., SolidWorks).
• Desired PMP Certification
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English.
• Demonstrated executive presence, with the ability to engage, influence, and communicate effectively with senior leadership.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to both internal and external stakeholders, tailoring messaging to the audience.
• Proven ability to effectively leverage and manage team resources, ensuring alignment, accountability, and optimal utilization to achieve program objectives.

ADA Requirements

• Stand, walk, bend, squat, twist, reach or otherwise move frequently
• Occasional repetitive motion and grasping
• Occasional climbing to reach areas on machines or racks
• Lift, move or otherwise transfer up to 50 lbs. occasionally, >20 lbs. frequently
• Typically sits, grasps items or performs keyboarding for occasional operation of a computer
• Exposure to typical machine shop physical hazards which may require respiratory protection
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time as needed

What SMC has to offer?

• Clean, Climate-Controlled Environment
• Stable schedule
• Paid holiday and PTO
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings
• Life and disability insurance
• Promotional opportunities
• Training and career growth programs
• Amazing co-workers
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

At SMC Ltd. we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

SMC Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V; this organization uses E-Verify.

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.