Senior Program Manager

About the role

The Senior Program Manager will lead and support manufacturing initiatives aimed at process improvements through the targeted implementation of automated processes that drive improvements in key corporate metrics for safety, quality, cost, and throughput.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support manufacturing initiatives aimed at process improvements through the targeted implementation of automated processes that drive improvements in key corporate metrics for safety, quality, cost, and throughput.
• Lead the Concept-to-Commissioning process for automation systems, working with internal manufacturing customers and external system integrators.
• Help define better business processes that support the transformation and automation of JBPCO’s manufacturing footprint.
• Drive cross-functional engagement and stakeholder alignment to advance key projects, strategies, and initiatives, including the formulation, justification, and presentation of capital investment (CapEx) proposals and business cases that support organizational objectives.
• Confer with planning and design staff concerning product design and tooling to ensure efficient Lean production methods.
• Confer with management, engineering, and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, throughput ramp-up plans, and other considerations to facilitate production processes.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with subject matter experts to evaluate manufacturing requirements, develop innovative process solutions, assess project cost implications, and establish best-in-class manufacturing practices.
• Collaborate on the development and implementation of standardized work instructions, PFMEAs, and other control plans to ensure quality and consistency.
• Develop equipment specifications (RFQ) to meet manufacturing requirements, and negotiate for purchase of equipment, materials, or parts. Evaluate equipment according to specifications and quality standards through design reviews, and gated acceptance testing.
• Work with Business Units on production times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for stakeholder decisions.
• Adhere to Quality policy by exceeding customer expectations, being customer-focused, and supporting continuous improvement activities.
• Adhere to JBPCO and industry safety policies and standards 100% of the time, including but not limited to, RIA, ANSI, ISO, IEEE, and NFPA.
• Execute internal concept development workshops with the manufacturing sites to define base project scope. Output to include, base process, automation selection, man-machine charts, cardboard mockups, cost estimates.
• Create and maintain the required level of control with all JBPCO documents, including but not limited to, solid models, drawings, procedures, and work instructions.
• Lead design reviews, build validation, FAT, and SAT with the supplier ensuring the full representation of JBPCO is integrated into the process.
• Deliver comprehensive project updates to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, providing visibility into progress, risks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies to support informed decision-making.
• Lead training efforts across the enterprise to enable manufacturing operations to be self-sufficient at running, maintaining, and modifying automation systems.
• Execute or assist vendors/integrators with standardized Task-Based Risk Assessment in accordance with A3 and JBPCO (ANSI/RIA TR R15.306).
• Work with maintenance on policies, procedures, and spare parts.
• Lead and train the Business Units on automation safety standards, mechanical and electrical.
• Coach and mentor junior engineers to help build internal capabilities on project management across the enterprise.
• Partner with site-level engineers, operations leaders, and corporate stakeholders to deploy best practices, standards, and advanced technologies.
• Conduct process capability analysis, time studies, and value stream mapping to identify and eliminate waste.
• Serve as a technical resource for new product introductions (NPIs), manufacturing cell designs, and layout optimization.
• Stay current with emerging manufacturing technologies (e.g., Industry 4.0, robotics, additive manufacturing) and assess their fit within the organization.
• Stay current with project management standards and technical skills to support and serve JBPCO’s business units.

Qualifications

• A self-starter with strong project leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead various sizes of manufacturing projects and drive measurable improvement in cost, quality, safety, or delivery metrics.
• Experience with various types of automation, automation vendors, and automation applications.
• Experience working in a high-volume, complex manufacturing environment and/or high-mix, low volume manufacturing environment.
• Ability to communicate, collaborate, and build rapport with personnel at all levels in a manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of manufacturing design elements/tools/systems, processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of design principles such as Data Analysis, DOE, FMEA, DFM/DFA.
• Must possess excellent automation/electrical/mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team as well as independently.
• Passion and strong working knowledge for safety, workplace organization, and continuous improvement with a focus on Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Lean implementation.
• Proficient with computer systems and software packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook (email), Microsoft Project or Smartsheet, and JD Edwards.
• Optional: 3D CAD Competency (SolidWorks, Draftsite or similar software preferred).
• Optional: Visual Basic Programming, Ladder Logic, or other programming knowledge.

Education

• BSME, BSIE, BSEE or equivalent.
• At least ten years or more of directly related experience in a manufacturing engineering or advanced manufacturing role, preferably in a multi-site or complex manufacturing environment.
• Preferred: Certifications in PE, Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or relevant engineering credentials.

Travel Expectation

75%