Program Exec, Strategic Accounts

Material Handling Systems, Inc.; Prospect (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortna is seeking an experienced Program Executive to lead enterprise-scale automation programs across multiple U.S. sites. The role combines senior-level program management, executive stakeholder engagement, and matrixed team leadership to deliver high-value outcomes.

The candidate will drive forecasting, budgeting, risk mitigation, and delivery excellence while aligning customer expectations with Fortna’s strategic goals. Travel will be significant as required by client projects.

Qualifications

• Executive-level program management experience leading large, complex, multi-site initiatives.
• Ability to operate as a customer-facing leader in high-pressure, high-demand environments.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and distributed teams.
• Advanced business acumen with strong financial and budget management capabilities across programs.
• PMP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead as the primary point of contact and executive sponsor for a critical, high-demand customer.
• Drive program and account financial performance through disciplined forecasting, margin management, risk mitigation, and change management practices.
• Oversee end-to-end execution of multiple simultaneous automation implementations across geographically dispersed sites.
• Coordinate across site leaders, project managers, and functional teams to ensure consistent execution, communication, and performance.
• Mentor and develop team members, ensuring strong leadership capability at the site and project level.
• Ensure successful delivery of solutions including MHE, robotics, WCS/WMS, and integrated software systems.

Skills

Executive program management

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Leadership

Communication

Risk management

Matrixed organizations

Multi-site delivery

Forecasting

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Project management tools

Job description

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement – a collective effort to redefine success and transform challenges into opportunities. "Join the Movement" encapsulates our commitment to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, celebrates diversity, and empowers every individual to contribute to something greater than themselves. Our Team. Our Passion. Our Approach.The Program Executive serves as the senior-most delivery leader and primary customer-facing executive for one of FORTNA’s most strategic, high-value accounts (>$100M). This role operates as the “enterprise-level project manager” and trusted advisor to the customer, accountable for thesuccessful execution of multiple, concurrent automation programs across various U.S. sites. This individual must thrive in a fast-paced, high-demand customer environment, balancing executive stakeholder engagement, multi-site coordination, and internal team leadership to ensure consistent,high-quality delivery. The Program Executive is ultimately responsible for aligning customer expectations with operational execution while driving accountability, communication, and results across all workstreams. This is a remote role with significant travel required based on customer and project needs.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:Customer Leadership & Relationship ManagementServe as the primary point of contact and executive sponsor for a critical, high-demand customer.Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior customer stakeholders, ensuring alignment on priorities, expectations, and outcomes.Act as the voice of the customer internally while maintaining appropriate boundaries, accountability, and execution discipline.Lead regular executive-level communication, including program updates, issue resolution, and performance reviews.Drive program and account financial performance through disciplined forecasting, margin management, risk mitigation, and change management practices.Program Oversight & Multi-Site DeliveryOwn end-to-end execution of multiple simultaneous automation implementations across geographically dispersed sites.Coordinate across site leaders, project managers, and functional teams to ensure consistent execution, communication, and performance.Manage program scope, budget, timelines, risks, and contractual obligations across all workstreams.Anticipate and proactively address operational and customer challenges in a complex, high-visibility environment.Ensure successful delivery of solutions including MHE, robotics, WCS/WMS, and integrated software systems. Cross-Functional LeadershipProvide functional leadership to a matrixed team of project managers, engineers, consultants, and operations leaders across multiple locations.Set clear priorities, expectations, and accountability across teams while fostering collaboration and alignment.Mentor and develop team members, ensuring strong leadership capability at the site and project level.Drive a culture of ownership, urgency, transparency, and continuous improvement.Strategic Execution & Operational ExcellenceAlign program execution with both customer business objectives and FORTNA strategic goals.Partner with Sales, Engineering, and Delivery teams to ensure seamless transition from solution design through implementation.Lead risk mitigation planning and decision-making across complex program dependencies.Drive value engineering, cost optimization, and performance improvements without compromising quality or outcomes.Provide thought leadership in supply chain automation and large-scale implementation best practices.Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:Demonstrated executive-level program management experience leading large, complex, multi-site initiatives.Exceptional ability to operate as a customer-facing leader in high-pressure, high-demand environments.Proven success managing multiple concurrent projects and distributed teams.Advanced business acumen with strong financial and budget management capabilities across programs.Expert-level communication skills, including executive presentations and stakeholder management.Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive decisions.Experience leading matrixed organizations and influencing without direct authority.Highly proficient in project management tools and Microsoft Office Suite.Education and Experience:Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or international equivalent)10+ years of experience in program management, project delivery, or supply chain/automation leadershipExperience managing large-scale automation, material handling, or supply chain transformation programs preferredPMP certification preferredPhysical Requirements:Travel to sites will require time in operational/construction environments and use of PPE as required.This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.