HR Program Manager

Socket.dev; Marlborough (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

IPG Photonics in Marlborough, MA, seeks an experienced HR Program Manager to translate HR strategy into coordinated execution and measurable business outcomes.

You'll partner with HR leaders, Centers of Excellence, and operations to govern programs, manage dependencies, and provide visibility into progress, risks, and milestones, delivering continuous improvement and results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or related field.
• 7+ years of HR experience (HR operations/transformation).
• Experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong executive presence and credibility at all organizational levels.
• Experience creating executive presentations, dashboards, and governance materials.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Establish and manage a centralized HR PMO framework, governance, and delivery standards.
• Translate HR and business priorities into structured programs with milestones and outcomes.
• Develop a consolidated HR project portfolio aligned with objectives and capacity.
• Drive execution discipline across HR functions and stakeholders.
• Coordinate activities across HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and other functions.
• Facilitate governance meetings, steering committees, and executive reviews.
• Promote continuous improvement, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.

Skills

Executive presence

Influence across leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Project governance

Data-driven decision making

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

Job description

IPG Photonics is the world leader of fiber laser technology, providing the most innovative and productive laser solutions for any industry application. We transform industries by applying light in new and innovative ways, enabling manufacturers to increase quality, lower costs, and maximize productivity with the most reliable and energy efficient tools in the world. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in more than 20 locations around the world. We aspire to work together with our employees and customers to apply light in ways that improve life.

Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions to make the world a better place. To accomplish this mission, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent and an engaged, diverse, and thriving workforce that drives a sustainable future for our company and society.

Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and competitive benefits.

JOB SUMMARY

The HR Program Manager is responsible for providing the governance, structure, and operational discipline necessary to translate HR strategy into coordinated execution and measurable business outcomes.

Working closely with HR leaders, Centers of Excellence, HR Operations, corporate functions, and business unit leadership, the HR Program Manager ensures enterprise HR initiatives are planned, prioritized, monitored, and delivered effectively. The role establishes program governance, manages cross-functional dependencies, facilitates executive operating rhythms, and provides visibility into progress, risks, and key milestones.

The successful candidate is a highly organized program leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels at driving accountability without direct authority, and has a passion for continuous improvement, operational excellence, and delivering results.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

HR Strategy Execution

• Establish and manage a centralized HR Program Management Office framework, methodologies, governance processes, and delivery standards to drive consistent application and measurement for HR projects.
• Translate HR and business priorities into structured programs, project plans, milestones, and measurable outcomes.
• Develop and maintain a consolidated HR project portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and resource capacity.
• Drive execution discipline and accountability across HR functions and business stakeholders.

Program and Project Management

• Develop integrated project plans, implementation roadmaps, milestones, dependencies, and resource plans while monitoring execution against timelines, deliverables, budgets, and success measures.
• Identify project risks, dependencies, and barriers, facilitating timely resolution and escalation.
• Facilitate project governance meetings, steering committees, and executive reviews.
• Ensure initiatives remain aligned to changing business priorities.

Collaboration and Operational Excellence

• Coordinate activities across HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, Organizational Development, HR Operations, Learning, and other functions.
• Facilitate stakeholder alignment and cross‑functionality.
• Standardize tools, templates, governance processes, and reporting methodologies.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and results orientation.
• Leverage data and analytics to evaluate program effectiveness and support decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• 7+ years of experience in Human Resources (HR operations, HR transformation, or a related discipline), experience supporting HR transformations, operating model redesigns, HRIS implementations desired.
• Demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and build credibility across all organizational levels.
• Experience creating executive presentations, project dashboards, and governance materials.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to interpret data and communicate insights effectively.
• Excellent verbal, written, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.