Engineering Program Manager

Summary: We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Program Manager to lead and coordinate cross-functional R&D initiatives from concept through execution. In this role, you will manage the planning, development, and execution of research and product development programs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, timelines, and budgetary constraints. The ideal candidate brings the right balance of program management skills and process focus to drive innovation for the New Product Development portfolio.

Essential Functions:.

• Own and champion the company stage-gate NPD process, ensuring global adoption and adherence through efforts ranging from training to project audits

• Facilitate monthly R&D Program Reviews, providing a forum for project teams to keep senior leadership informed and engaged.

• Administer the labor tracking system in the R&D department to capture actual hours worked on each project, keeping an accurate historical archive to help more accurately estimate future projects.

• Process project change orders and facilitate resource allocation trade-offs.

• Mentor project managers in best practices for accurately estimating projects and delivering to those estimates.

• Program Leadership: Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of R&D programs, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, product, quality, regulatory, marketing, and manufacturing teams to ensure timely and coordinated delivery.

• Timeline & Budget Management: Coach project managers to develop detailed project plans, track milestones, and manage resources, budgets, and risks proactively.

• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for program status, risks, and issues; provide regular updates to leadership and stakeholders.

• Process Improvement: Implement best practices in program and project management, driving continuous improvement in execution and delivery.

• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to keep programs on track.

• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain comprehensive program documentation and prepare detailed status reports and presentations.

• Occasionally serve as project manager where appropriate, especially for large scale complex projects.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field

• 7 years of experience in program or project management within an R&D environment.

• Proven experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects with cross-functional teams.

• Strong understanding of the R&D lifecycle, from concept to commercialization.

• PMP or equivalent certification is a plus.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.

• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Clockify).

• Experience in the finishing industry: paint, powder, electrostatics, fluid handling, sealants & adhesives