Project Manager

Project Manager / Program Manager
Location: Hybrid (15-20% Travel Required)Employment Type: 6 Month Contract-to-HireIndustry: Manufacturing
Position Summary
We are seeking a Project Manager / Program Manager to support and lead multiple business and technology initiatives across the organization. This role will balance strategic program oversight with hands-on project execution, serving as a key liaison between leadership, business stakeholders, project teams, and plant-based subject matter experts.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, capable of managing multiple concurrent initiatives, and comfortable operating at both the tactical and strategic levels. This individual will be responsible for project governance, scheduling, budget tracking, stakeholder communication, and cross-functional coordination while helping leadership align priorities and successfully execute key business initiatives.
This opportunity is well-suited for an experienced Project Manager looking to expand into Program Management or a Program Manager who enjoys maintaining visibility into execution while driving broader business outcomes.
Primary Responsibilities
Program & Portfolio Oversight
Manage multiple concurrent projects and workstreams across business and technology functions.Provide visibility into project health, dependencies, risks, resource constraints, and timelines.Support strategic planning and prioritization activities across active initiatives.Ensure alignment between project execution and organizational objectives.Identify opportunities for process improvement and improved project delivery practices.
Project Management & Execution
Develop and maintain project schedules, milestones, deliverables, and action plans.Track project progress and drive accountability across stakeholders and project teams.Manage risks, issues, dependencies, and change requests.Facilitate project governance activities including project reviews, status meetings, and executive updates.Coordinate UAT activities, Go-Live readiness efforts, and key deployment milestones.
Financial & Resource Management
Monitor project budgets, forecasts, and spending.Assist with resource planning and prioritization across multiple initiatives.Provide reporting and recommendations regarding project performance and resource utilization.
Stakeholder Management
Partner with business leaders, SMEs, IT teams, vendors, and plant personnel to ensure successful execution.Facilitate communication between workstreams and ensure alignment across project teams.Prepare executive presentations, project reporting dashboards, and status communications.Build trusted relationships across all levels of the organization.
Business Systems Coordination
Coordinate and track business system enhancement requests and support activities.Monitor QAD-related tickets and ensure visibility into status, priorities, and resolution timelines.Serve as a connector between business stakeholders and technical teams.
Required Qualifications
4+ years of Project Management, Program Management, PMO, or related experience.Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.Strong project planning, scheduling, stakeholder management, and organizational skills.Experience tracking budgets, project financials, and resource allocation.Strong communication and presentation skills.Experience working with cross-functional teams and influencing outcomes without direct authority.Proficiency with project management tools such as Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, Jira, or similar platforms.Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and tactical levels.
Preferred Qualifications
Program Management experience overseeing multiple related projects.PMO experience supporting governance and portfolio management activities.Exposure to ERP, enterprise systems, business applications, or IT-related projects.PMP, PgMP, CAPM, or related certification.Experience supporting UAT, software deployments, or business transformation initiatives.