Global Program Manager, Data Centers

About the role

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions, pushing the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that exceed customer expectations. Products include belts and hoses found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, and 3D printers. Located in downtown Denver or Englewood, Colorado, this Global Program Manager, Data Centers role focuses on new product introductions for Liquid Cooling for Data Centers, reporting to the Director of Global Product Management - Hydraulics.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development projects from concept through production validation to commercialization, in partnership with Product Management, Technical, and Operations.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, schedules, and capital requirements, ensuring adherence to performance, cost, and time targets.
• Translate technical requirements into actionable project tasks, milestones, and deliverables.
• Manage project risks and issues, implementing mitigation strategies and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders.
• Facilitate design reviews, stage-gate approvals, and technical working sessions to maintain alignment and progress.
• Ensure on-time delivery of prototype builds, testing, and validation activities in line with development requirements for each project.
• Support manufacturing readiness, including process development, tooling, PFMEAs, and initial production builds.
• Maintain transparent communication, providing regular status reports, dashboards, and executive summaries.
• Ensure the processing and timely delivery of the Technical organization’s deliverables like BOMs, drawings, test reports, and change management records (ECR/ECN).
• Champion development process improvements and methods to parallel path, driving product development at an accelerated pace to keep up with the fast-evolving Data Center end market.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical discipline from an accredited institution required.
• 8+ years of experience managing technical projects within manufacturing, product development, or engineering environments.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, hybrid).
• Experience working with PLM systems, ERP systems, and engineering documentation.
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, technical environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Ability to adapt quickly to change and drive change.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to influence with and without authority.
• Excited to work in the office with great teammates.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP, Agile, or similar project management certification.
• Experience driving rapid development processes for an industrial manufacturer.
• Knowledge of DFMEA/PFMEA and structured problem-solving tools (8D, A3, DMAIC).
• Global work experience and perspective.

Pay & Benefits

Full-Time. Salary Range: $146,000 - $163,000. 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 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.

Work Environment

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 considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.