Sr. Program Manager - Contract (Macon, GA)

A leading OEM manufacturer of specialty vehicles is growing its Advanced Engineering Program Management discipline during a strong growth year. You'll lead complex, major program initiatives end-to-end - from planning through Gate Review - reporting to the VP, Program Management. This is a hands-on execution role for someone who wants to build, not just maintain. Key Responsibilities Provide leadership, vision, and direction for assigned project teamsLead development of project scope, timing, and budget; coordinate activities to keep programs on time and on budgetBuild detailed, achievable timing plans in Microsoft Project using team inputCreate and negotiate Statements of Work (SOWs) between internal stakeholders and third-party providers; monitor and assign internal actions to completionCommunicate deliverable expectations; plan, monitor, and review project tasks to ensure adherence to the company's stage-gate product development processCoach and guide project team membersIdentify resource requirements and communicate needs to functional area leadersMake decisions and take independent action on matters directly affecting project objectivesContinuously evaluate project status and report regularly to Executive Management and key stakeholdersPrepare Gate Review documentation and lead review meetings with managementManage and report on budgets, spend, and product costsDrive cross-functional teams effectively even under pressure and shifting priorities Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business or an Engineering-related fieldMinimum 7 years managing major, complex projects2+ years in a manufacturing or technical environmentS. citizen or permanent resident, authorized to work in the U.S.Proactive, can-do mindset with the ability to operate independently and take ownershipComfortable with ambiguity and fast-paced, shifting prioritiesWilling and able to travel up to 50%Open to a 6+ month contract engagement Nice-to-Have Qualifications MBA or Master's in Engineering ManagementPMP CertificationTechnical or engineering development backgroundExperience managing a product development program from concept to launchExperience with process development and continuous improvement Tools & Environment Microsoft Project, Excel, and PowerPoint (advanced proficiency)Manufacturing/OEM environment with a formal stage-gate development processCross-functional, matrixed team structure with executive-level reporting Ideal Candidate Profile You're a doer, not someone who watches things happen - you take ownership and drive outcomes without needing heavy oversight. You anticipate problems before they escalate and bring a strong, driven, "figure it out" attitude to fast-moving, ambiguous situations. You're equally comfortable running a detailed project plan and presenting program status to senior executives, and you thrive in a manufacturing environment where the stakes and the pace are both high. Job Posted by ApplicantPro