Program Manager

Steel & O'Brien Manufacturing Inc.; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Steel & O'Brien Manufacturing Inc. is seeking a organized Program Manager to lead multiple customer programs from opportunity through production launch in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

You will act as the primary liaison among customers and cross-functional teams to ensure schedules, expectations, and results meet targets. You will drive cross-functional execution with Commercial, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain and Quality, leading reviews, tracking risks, and coordinating

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of program or project management experience, preferably in manufacturing or engineering-driven industries.
• Strong communication, presentation, and customer relationship skills.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and influencing without direct authority.
• PMP or other project management certification is a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 20% (air, car, and overnight).

Responsibilities

• Manage customer programs throughout the full lifecycle, from opportunity identification to production launch.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customer accounts.
• Translate customer requirements into actionable project plans, deliverables, and timelines.
• Partner with Commercial, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to ensure successful program execution.
• Lead program review meetings and communicate project status, risks, and action items.
• Coordinate resources and resolve issues to keep projects on track.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans with clear ownership and deadlines.
• Ensure programs achieve quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Lead problem-solving efforts and elevate issues when appropriate.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Project scheduling

Customer relationships

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations

Job description

Lead High-Impact Programs. Drive Innovation. Shape the Future of Data Center Cooling.

Steel & O'Brien, a leading manufacturer of stainless steel flow control components, is expanding rapidly into the Data Center Cooling (DCC) market, supporting liquid cooling solutions for hyperscale and colocation facilities.

We're looking for a highly organized, customer-focused Program Manager to lead multiple customer programs from initial opportunity and quoting through design, validation, and production launch. In this role, you'll serve as the primary liaison between customers and cross-functional teams, ensuring projects stay on schedule, meet customer expectations, and are delivered successfully.

If you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoy leading complex projects that make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

Lead Customer Programs

• Manage customer programs throughout the full lifecycle, from opportunity identification to production launch.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customer accounts.
• Translate customer requirements into actionable project plans, deliverables, and timelines.

Drive Cross-Functional Execution

• Partner with Commercial, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to ensure successful program execution.
• Lead program review meetings and communicate project status, risks, and action items.
• Coordinate resources and resolve issues to keep projects on track.

Build Strong Customer Relationships

• Maintain proactive communication with customers and manage expectations.
• Provide regular updates on milestones, progress, and risk mitigation.
• Support business development during discovery and quoting by providing program expertise.

Deliver Results

• Develop and manage detailed project plans with clear ownership and deadlines.
• Ensure programs achieve quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Lead problem-solving efforts and elevate issues when appropriate.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of program or project management experience, preferably in manufacturing or engineering-driven industries.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication, presentation, and customer relationship skills.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and influencing without direct authority.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, supply chain, and quality systems preferred.
• PMP or other project management certification is a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 20% (air, car, and overnight).

Our Culture

At Steel & O'Brien, we believe great results start with great people. We foster a collaborative environment where employees are encouraged to communicate openly, continuously improve, and put customers first.

Our team members:

• Communicate with positivity, respect, and professionalism.
• Listen to and value the ideas of others.
• Support company initiatives and team events.
• Maintain confidentiality and accountability.
• Live our core values of Integrity, Trust, Creativity & Courage, Teamwork, and Excellence.

Physical Requirements

• Safely navigate a manufacturing environment.
• Use a computer, phone, and standard office equipment effectively.

Attendance Requirements:

Attendance on a regular, consistent basis is mandatory.

Accommodations:

If you need a reasonable accommodation under the ADA or other state or federal law to perform the essential job functions as listed above, you may request an accommodation in the interview process.