Operations Program Manager

Position Title : Operations Program Manager – PMO

Location: Chattanooga/Jerome Area – 100% Onsite

Complete relocation assistance available

About the Role

Our client, client, is seeking an experienced and people-focused Operations Program Manager to join its newly established Project Management Office (PMO). This role will lead the Operations division within the PMO organization and report directly to the Director of PMO.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong blend of operational program management expertise and proven people leadership experience. This individual will oversee a team of Project Managers while managing a portfolio of complex operational and manufacturing-related initiatives across multiple facilities.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity with long-term growth potential into a director-level PMO role.

Key Responsibilities

PMO Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 4–6 Project Managers
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching, mentoring, and career development planning
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and employee performance management activities
• Foster a servant leadership culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Support the establishment and evolution of PMO governance, standards, and best practices

Program & Project Oversight

• Manage and oversee a portfolio of operational and manufacturing-related projects across multiple facilities
• Drive project execution from initiation through delivery while ensuring alignment with business objectives
• Coordinate project prioritization, resource planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication
• Provide strategic guidance and hands-on support to Project Managers leading key initiatives
• Ensure project documentation, reporting, and communication standards are consistently followed

Operational & Cross-Functional Initiatives

Projects may include:

• Manufacturing improvement initiatives
• Supply chain optimization projects
• Inventory management and optimization
• Capacity expansion initiatives
• Engineering and process improvement projects
• New operational process introductions

Organizational Alignment

• Help align multiple facilities under a unified operational and strategic framework
• Build strong relationships across diverse manufacturing sites and leadership teams
• Drive consistency in project execution methodologies across the organization

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 7–10 years of Program and/or Project Management experience
• Prior direct people leadership experience required
• Must have managed at least 4 direct reports
• Experience conducting:
• Performance reviews
• Hiring and termination decisions
• Team coaching and development
• Strong operational project management background
• Experience working within manufacturing, engineering, or operations-driven environments
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Strong executive presence and interpersonal effectiveness
• Ability to balance strategic priorities with hands-on project execution

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP Certification preferred
• Master’s Degree in Project Management or related field is a plus
• Experience working in complex, multi-site operational environments
• Familiarity with PMO governance and process development

Technical Skills

Preferred proficiency with:

• Microsoft Project
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Presentation development and reporting tools

Key Traits for Success

• Strong servant leadership mindset
• Hands-on coaching and mentorship capabilities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Operational and manufacturing project expertise
• Customer-focused and consultative approach
• Strong organizational and execution skills
• High emotional intelligence and empathy

PMO Environment

• Newly established PMO organization (formed in 2025)
• Hundreds of active projects across the enterprise
• Oversight across 10 facilities/sites
• Diverse operational environments and leadership styles
• Collaborative PMO structure supporting Operations, R&D, and New Product Development

Travel Requirements

• Typically, less than 15–20% travel
• Increased site interaction and onsite collaboration expected during the first year

Interview Process

1. Initial Virtual Interview
2. Second Virtual Interview with Stakeholders
3. Final Panel Interview

Evaluation Focus Areas

• Leadership and mentorship capability
• Communication and presentation skills
• Coachability
• Operational PM expertise
• Ability to develop and support Project Managers