Manager, Manufacturing Strategy & Engineering Programs

Fellowes, Inc.; Location (WV); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Fellowes, Inc. seeks a Manager, Manufacturing Strategy & Engineering Programs to lead planning and execution of high-impact initiatives across manufacturing and production operations.

This role partners with plant leadership, engineering, supply chain, and operations to drive throughput, cost, quality, and capacity improvements. The position focuses on process optimization, automation programs, make-vs-buy decisions, acquisitions, and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies including

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required or equivalent.
• 8-10 years in project/program management, preferably in manufacturing.
• 5 years in product strategy/planning/execution preferred.
• Proven track record leading cross-functional initiatives and complex global projects.
• Strong leadership and communication to engage executives and teams.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, standard work, and waste reduction.
• Ability to build financial business cases, ROI modeling and capital justification.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Initiative Leadership: drive cross-functional initiatives from concept to execution.
• Strategic Roadmap Development: shape a forward-looking roadmap aligned with growth and trends.
• Manufacturing Capability Expansion: improve processes and onboard OEMs and partners.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: align timelines and inputs across departments.
• Automation & AI Integration: explore and implement automation and AI for throughput gains.
• Program Governance & Reporting: establish governance and report progress to executives.
• Risk Management: identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Performance Metrics: define and monitor KPIs tied to manufacturing goals.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Program management

Automation & AI

Vendor & OEM management

Cost & throughput optimization

KPIs & governance

ROI modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MBA

PMP Certification

Job description

Manager, Manufacturing Strategy & Engineering Programs

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 Manager, Manufacturing Strategy & Engineering Programs will 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.

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.