Manager, Manufacturing Strategy & Engineering Programs

Fellowes Brands; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive

Medical benefits

Job summary

Fellowes Brands in Itasca, IL is seeking a Senior Manager, Manufacturing Strategy & Engineering Programs to lead high-impact initiatives across manufacturing and production operations. You will partner with plant leadership, engineering, supply chain, and operations to drive throughput, cost, quality, and capacity improvements.

The role focuses on process optimization, automation and AI deployments, make-versus-buy decisions, acquisitions, and capital programs to scale production capabilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial or Electrical) is required.
• 8-10 years of project/program management experience, preferably in manufacturing or strategic development.
• 5 years of product strategy/planning/execution preferred.
• Proven track record leading cross-functional initiatives and managing complex, global projects.

Responsibilities

• Drive cross-functional strategic initiatives from concept to execution.
• Develop and refine a forward-looking strategic roadmap for manufacturing capabilities.
• Lead efforts to improve manufacturing processes and onboard high-performing OEMs, facilities, and partners.
• Collaborate across departments to align timelines and ensure seamless execution.
• Partner to explore automation and AI solutions to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Establish and maintain program governance and provide updates to executives.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies for successful delivery.
• Define and monitor KPIs to measure impact on performance and goals.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic roadmap development

Executive stakeholder engagement

ROI modelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial or Electrical)

Job description

Description

Our most important asset is our people. Who we are, what we do, how we do it and why we are passionate are all centerpieces of why we succeed.

We Are Proud To Be Recognized

• Among America’s Best Midsize Employers by Forbes in 2021, 2022 and 2024
• As a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for four consecutive years (2021-2025)

We currently operate in-office Monday-Thursday, with an optional remote day on Friday.

This position is not eligible for visa-based employment-based sponsorship.

Role Summary

As the Senior Manager, Manufacturing Strategy & Engineering Programs reporting to the Sr Director, Strategic Development and Partnerships, youwill lead the planning, development, and execution of high-impact initiatives with a strong focus on manufacturing and production operations. This role partners closely with plant leadership, engineering, supply chain, and operations teams to drive throughput, cost, quality, and capacity improvements across Fellowes manufacturing footprint. The position is central to strengthening and scaling production capabilities through process optimization, capital and automation programs, make versus buy decisions, acquisitions and the deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies, including automation and AI, to support long-term operational excellence.

In This Role, You Will…

• Strategic Initiative Leadership: Drive cross-functional strategic initiatives from concept to execution, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and business unit goals.
• Strategic Roadmap Development: Coordinate the development and ongoing refinement of a forward-looking strategic roadmap that aligns manufacturing capabilities with long-term business growth, innovation, and market trends.
• Manufacturing Capability Expansion: Lead efforts to improve existing manufacturing processes and identify, assess, and onboard high-performing OEMs, manufacturing facilities, and strategic partners.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate across departments to align timelines, manage inputs, and ensure seamless execution of initiatives.
• Automation & AI Integration: Partner with the Strategic Development team to explore and implement automation and AI solutions that enhance efficiency, throughput, and scalability.
• Program Governance & Reporting: Establish and maintain program governance frameworks, track progress against milestones, and provide regular updates to executive leadership.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure successful project delivery.
• Performance Metrics: Define and monitor KPIs to measure the impact of initiatives on manufacturing performance and strategic goals.

What You Bring To The Team

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial or Electrical)
• 8-10 years of experience in project/program management, preferably in manufacturing or strategic development.
• 5 years of product strategy/planning/execution preferred.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and managing complex, global projects.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage leadership, technical teams, and executive stakeholders to drive alignment, execution, and measurable operational outcomes.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives in manufacturing or production environments, managing complex programs that span operations, engineering, supply chain, and external partners.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing operations and production systems, including exposure to Lean principles, continuous improvement, standard work, waste reduction, and basic Six Sigma or problem?solving methodologies (e.g., root cause analysis, Kaizen, value stream thinking).
• Experience supporting manufacturing modernization efforts, such as automation deployment, digital tools, AI?enabled process improvement, or factory transformation initiatives—focused on improving throughput, cost, quality, and scalability.
• Demonstrated ability to build and defend financial business cases for strategic programs, including ROI modeling, capital justification, and post?implementation value realization.

Preferred Attributes

• MBA and/or PMP Certification preferred
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity.
• Passionate about innovation and continuous improvement.
• Adept at building relationships and influencing across all levels of the organization.
• People management and consumer products or furniture background preferred

The hiring range for this position in Itasca, IL is $130,000 - $140,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. An annual incentive may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. An overview of our benefits offering is available here: Fellowes Benefits Overview.

Fellowes Brands - A Family Business Since 1917

For over a century, Fellowes has been committed to positively impacting people through our culture, relationships, and solutions. We have evolved toward relevance with each decade and generation, responding to a constantly changing world. Today, we are on an ambitious journey to grow our influence and impact in enhancing and maximizing work experiences worldwide. We are a “Brand on the Move” and remain committed to finding new ways to help people work better and feel better.

Visit our Careers Site

www.fellowesbrands.com/us/en/careers/Pages/overview.aspx

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Fellowes, Inc. does not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies that have not signed a mutual service agreement. All unsolicited resumes will be considered Fellowes' property, and Fellowes will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted