Director of Program Management (Medical Device Manufacturing)

Director of Program ManagementGreater Chicago Area (relocation available for qualified candidates)Reports To General ManagerTarget Compensation: $180,000-$205,000/year + 20% bonus (up to 40% bonus based on company performance) OverviewWe are seeking a Director of Program Management to lead strategic, client-facing program execution for a high-volume medical device manufacturing operation. This role will serve as the primary executive interface for key customers, ensuring exceptional delivery, long-term partnership growth, and operational excellence.This leader will oversee cross-functional program management activities across engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain, driving performance from product launch through full-scale production. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in medical device manufacturing, strong business acumen, and a proven ability to lead complex, high-volume programs with a focus on process improvement and customer satisfaction.Key ResponsibilitiesServe as the primary executive point of contact for key customers, including Abbott, building strong relationships and ensuring high levels of satisfaction, retention, and growth.Lead and develop a team of Program Managers, ensuring alignment to customer goals, operational priorities, and financial targets.Drive end-to-end program execution across the product lifecycle, from development and launch through high-volume manufacturing and sustaining activities.Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless program execution and on-time delivery.Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for program success, including cost, quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction metrics.Champion process improvement initiatives across program management and operations, with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and margin expansion.Provide strategic direction in customer engagements, including Quarterly Business Reviews, executive updates, and issue resolution.Support business development efforts, including contract negotiations, proposal development, and identification of growth opportunities within existing accounts.Ensure successful transitions of new products into manufacturing, with strong coordination across engineering validation, quality systems, and production readiness.Develop and implement organizational strategies to attract, retain, and develop high-performing program management talent.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree (MBA or MS) preferred.7+ years (Grade 29) or 9+ years (Grade 30) of progressive experience in program management, operations, or business leadership within medical device manufacturing.Strong experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments; familiarity with injection molding processes is highly preferred.Demonstrated success managing large, complex customer relationships, ideally with major medical device OEMs such as Abbott.Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence senior internal and external stakeholders.Experience driving process improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent methodologies preferred).Strong financial acumen, including program cost management, forecasting, and margin improvement.Excellent communication, negotiation, and executive presentation skills.Leadership & ImpactDrives the long-term strategic direction and operational success of program management functions.Influences site-level and potentially multi-site performance, including customer satisfaction, revenue growth, and operational efficiency.Acts as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to overall business strategy and execution.