Program Exec, Strategic Accounts

Material Handling Systems, Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

FORTNA is seeking a Program Executive to serve as the senior delivery leader for a high-value account, coordinating multi-site automation programs across the U.S. You will lead executive-level communications and drive program performance in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.

As a trusted advisor, you will align customer expectations with operational execution, mentor teams, and manage budgets, scope, and timelines while leveraging WCS/WMS, MHE, robotics, and software integrations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in program management, project delivery, or supply chain/automation leadership.
• Experience managing large-scale automation, material handling, or supply chain transformation programs preferred.
• PMP certification preferred.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or international equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary executive sponsor for a critical, high-demand customer and align expectations with outcomes.
• Own end-to-end execution of multiple automation implementations across geographically dispersed sites.
• Lead matrixed teams of project managers, engineers, consultants, and operations leaders.
• Drive value engineering, cost optimization, and performance improvements while maintaining quality.
• Provide strategic leadership and ensure on-time, on-budget project delivery.

Skills

Executive-level program management

Multi-site leadership

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Matrixed organizations

PM tools

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or international equivalent)

PMP certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

PM 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 the successful 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 Management

• Serve 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 Delivery

• Own 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 Leadership

• Provide 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 Excellence

• Align 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 leadership
• Experience managing large-scale automation, material handling, or supply chain transformation programs preferred
• PMP® certification preferred

Physical Requirements:

Travel to sites will require time in operational/construction environments and use of PPE as required.

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.

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. Visit www.fortna.com.