Program Executive
The Opportunity
The Program Executive is a senior delivery leader responsible for successful execution of a portfolio of complex, customer-facing programs at Thermo Systems. In this role, you will lead delivery from contract award through engineering, procurement, installation, commissioning/start-up, and project closeout—ensuring predictable outcomes across safety, quality, schedule, cost, and customer satisfaction. You will serve as the executive-level interface for customers, establishing trust through transparent communication, strong governance, and consistent delivery performance. You will partner closely with Commercial, Engineering, Operations, and Field leadership to align commitments, proactively manage risk, and continuously improve Thermo Systems’ project delivery system. This role also plays a key part in strengthening organizational capability by developing delivery leaders and advancing execution discipline across programs.
What You’ll Do
Program & Portfolio Leadership: Own delivery performance across a portfolio of programs/projects, including safety, quality, schedule, cost, margin, and customer satisfaction. Lead execution from project kickoff through closeout, ensuring readiness, planning discipline, and effective handoffs. Drive consistent, predictable outcomes across multiple concurrent programs.
Customer Leadership & Governance: Serve as the executive-level customer interface for delivery. Establish governance cadence including steering committees and executive reviews. Communicate progress, risks, and decisions with clarity and transparency. Build strong, trusted relationships with customer stakeholders.
Executive & Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead cross-functional execution across Project Management, Engineering, Electrical, Panel Fabrication, Supply Chain, Quality, Installation, Finance, and Commissioning. Align internal teams around delivery strategy, priorities, and performance expectations. Ensure effective coordination across office, shop, and field environments.
Commercial Alignment & Delivery Strategy: Partner with Commercial teams to ensure seamless transition from pre-award to execution. Translate scope, assumptions, and estimates into executable delivery strategies. Ensure commitments are realistic, risk-balanced, and aligned with customer expectations.
Financial & Program Controls: Establish and maintain program controls including integrated schedules and cost tracking. Drive cost-to-complete (CTC) and estimate-at-completion (EAC) forecasting accuracy. Monitor financial performance, margin, and cash flow across programs. Ensure consistent portfolio-level reporting and performance visibility.
Risk, Change & Issue Management: Lead program-level risk, issue, and dependency management. Establish escalation paths and drive timely decision-making. Maintain strong scope and change control practices. Ensure proper documentation and commercial alignment of changes. Protect margin and improve financial outcomes through disciplined execution.
Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement: Champion a strong safety and quality culture across all phases of execution. Reinforce compliance with Thermo Systems standards and processes. Lead retrospectives and root-cause analysis to improve delivery performance. Drive improvements in estimating, engineering execution, field productivity, and commissioning outcomes.
Leadership & Talent Development: Coach and develop Program Managers, Project Managers, and functional leaders. Strengthen leadership capability across delivery teams. Build a scalable, high-performing program delivery organization.
Who We Are
Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner delivering premier class automation solutions across the Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets. Guided By The Thermo Way, We Are Unified, Dynamic, And Committed To Delivering Excellence. Our Culture Is Grounded In Three Core Principles Employee Success – investing in our people and their growth Customer Success – delivering reliable, high-quality solutions Financial Strength – operating with discipline and long-term focus We believe strong teams, trusted partnerships, and technical excellence drive sustainable success.
Qualifications
Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business discipline (or equivalent experience). 10+ years of progressive leadership experience delivering complex, customer-facing programs/projects. Experience leading programs with field installation, commissioning, and start-up components. Demonstrated success managing multiple concurrent, high-value programs. PMP or equivalent program/project management certification.
Skills & Qualifications: Strong experience in controls systems integration (PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, industrial networking, instrumentation, electrical systems). Executive presence with the ability to influence customer and internal leadership. Proven financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting (CTC/EAC), and margin management. Strong program controls and operational discipline. Experience leading cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, and field execution. Excellent communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Ability to travel regularly to customer sites. Experience in Thermo Systems’ core markets (energy, life sciences, manufacturing, mission critical, or industrial sectors). Familiarity with regulated environments requiring formal documentation and quality systems.