Program Manager

Life Fitness; United States; On-site; USD 93,000 - 135,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength is seeking a Program Manager to oversee major cardiovascular and strength product development initiatives. You will coordinate schedules, budgets, and resources using the Product Development Process and lead a cross-functional team through all phases from inception to completion.

The role requires strong leadership, governance of master plans, and the ability to drive cost reductions while ensuring milestones are met. MBA or PMP and 4+ years in PM are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in program management, engineering, business management, or related field.
• Minimum of four years of product development experience.
• Minimum of two years of program management experience.
• PMP certification is preferred.
• MBA degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Organize, manage, and deliver major consumer or commercial cardiovascular and strength programs using the PDP.
• Coordinate proposal preparation; establish and monitor master plans, budgets, and schedules for new development programs.
• Track program spending and product costs against approved plans.
• Generate and maintain program schedules; monitor progress against milestones.
• Direct the Program Development Team across cross-functional areas.
• Manage all program phases from inception through completion.
• Prepare program financial and functional status reports.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Multi-project

Process-oriented

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in related field

PMP certification

MBA degree

Tools

Microsoft Project

Excel

Word

SharePoint

PowerPoint

Job description

Join us as we empower the world to work out, creating healthier lives together. The Program Manager is responsible for the cost, schedule, and performance of major cardiovascular and strength product development programs at Life Fitness / Hammer Strength. This role coordinates continuous improvement, product development, and systems engineering programs for consumer and commercial cardiovascular and strength equipment.

What You’ll Do

• Organize, manage, and deliver major consumer or commercial cardiovascular and strength programs using the Product Development Process (PDP).
• Coordinate proposal preparation; establish and monitor master plans, budgets, and schedules for new development programs.
• Track program spending and product costs against approved plans.
• Generate and maintain program schedules; monitor actual progress against planned milestones.
• Direct the Program Development Team, which may include Purchasing, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and other functional areas.
• Manage all program phases from inception through completion and monitor work in progress to support program objectives.
• Oversee the development of design concepts and test criteria.
• Prepare program financial and functional status reports.
• Create and present design review packages to management.
• Assign clearly defined and prioritized work to team members.
• Coordinate and implement cost-reduction initiatives related to redesign and procurement.
• Coordinate resolution of service and manufacturing issues related to product design.
• Analyze the impact of schedule changes on affected functional areas.
• Recommend corrective actions, including schedule revisions, labor adjustments, funding allocations, and revised work requirements.
• Evaluate the technical impact of schedule changes against established plans and parameters; determine the most practical and cost‑effective path forward.
• Identify issues before they become problems and recommend solutions.
• Prepare statements of work and negotiate technical details for subsystem designs with outside suppliers and customers.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in program management, engineering, business management, or a related scientific field is required.
• Minimum of four years of product development experience.
• Minimum of two years of program management experience.
• Preferred: Additional program management experience beyond the minimum requirement.
• Management experience with technical product development.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to plan for contingencies and determine when to implement them.
• Highly organized and process‑oriented approach to program execution.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage teams through challenging projects.
• Demonstrated track record of launching successful programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Excel, Word, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

The salary range for this position, intended for U.S. applicants, is $93,000 - $135,900 annually.

• 401(k) savings plan with 4% employer match.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Parental, medical and military leaves of absence.
• Paid time off, including 12 paid holidays and 13 paid vacation days annually.
• Paid sick leave as provided under state and local laws.
• Company‑paid short‑term and optional long‑term disability insurance.
• Health savings account and health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts.
• Employee and dependent life insurance, supplemental life and AD&D insurance, hospital indemnity.
• Identity protection and legal services.
• Adoption and tuition assistance, commuter benefits and employee discounts.
• Employee assistance program with free counseling sessions.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. Life Fitness / Hammer Strength complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding employment, recruitment and hiring. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.