Program Manager

Hendrickson; Woodridge (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Travel insurance

Disability insurance

Flexible spending account

401K plan

Pension plan

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Education assistance

Wellness program

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Hendrickson in Woodridge, IL seeks an experienced Program Manager II to lead product development, launches, and change management across cross-functional teams. You’ll drive schedules, budgets, and performance metrics while aligning with customer requirements and business goals.

The role demands a decade of related experience with 5+ years in program management, in an industrial manufacturing setting, and travel up to 10%. PMP/PgMP and an engineering/business background are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, PM or related field required.
• PM certifications (PMP/PgMP) a plus; master's preferred but not mandatory.
• Minimum 10 years in related field with 5+ years in program management required.
• Experience in industrial manufacturing or commercial vehicle industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage cross-functional programs to meet business objectives and launches.
• Oversee SPDP and CP teams, define deliverables and monitor progress.
• Plan, budget, and manage capital requests (CERs) and schedules.
• Develop metrics and report performance to leadership and executives.
• Coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, supply chain, and finance.
• Serve as primary customer-facing lead for assigned programs and launches.
• Identify risks and remove barriers to ensure on-time delivery.
• Develop cost models and proposals aligned with customer requirements.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

Stakeholder management

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, PM, or related field

Master's degree desirable

PMP or PgMP certification desirable

Tools

ERP systems

PLM software

Microsoft Office (Excel/PowerPoint/Proj)

Project management tools

Job description

Position Purpose

The Program Manager II is responsible for the successful planning, execution, and delivery of product development, launch, and change management programs by leading cross-functional teams, managing program objectives and resources, and ensuring alignment with customer requirements, operational capabilities, and business goals.

Essential Functions

• Lead and manage cross-functional programs and projects to achieve business objectives, successful new product launches, and implementation of product changes.
• Lead Simultaneous Product and Process Development (SPPD) teams and Current Products (CP) teams by establishing goals, defining deliverables, monitoring performance, and ensuring successful execution of program objectives.
• Manage programs throughout the product lifecycle, including planning, development, launch, change implementation, and completion of required SOP4.4K deliverables in accordance with established schedules.
• Develop and manage program plans, timelines, milestones, capital requests (CERs), budgets, and product objectives, including cost, weight, performance, quality, and timing targets.
• Develop, monitor, and report program, project, and team performance metrics using standardized reporting tools and Quality Operating System (QOS) measures; provide periodic updates to leadership, including the SPPD Executive Committee.
• Lead communication and collaboration among engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, supply chain, finance, customers, suppliers, joint ventures, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with program goals and timely resolution of issues.
• Serve as the primary customer-facing lead for assigned programs, including facilitating launch meetings, managing stakeholder expectations, and coordinating communication throughout the program lifecycle.
• Identify and mitigate program risks, resolve complex issues, remove execution barriers, and ensure successful delivery of program objectives.
• Develop and execute program launch strategies to ensure readiness across all bill of material components while aligning manufacturing strategies with program and customer requirements.
• Facilitate development of cost models and customer proposals by evaluating customer expectations, product strategies, freight considerations, and return-on-investment objectives.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory obligations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance program execution, cross-functional collaboration, operational effectiveness, and business outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Training

A bachelor's degree in engineering, business, project management, or a related field is required.

A master's degree in a related field is desired.

Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), and/or other relevant certifications are a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years' experience in a related field, including at least 5 years' program management experience.
• Experience within an industrial manufacturing environment and/or commercial vehicle industry experience preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time on an as needed basis.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex programs from concept through product launch and implementation.
• Proven ability to manage project schedules, budgets, capital expenditures, resources, risks, and deliverables while balancing customer and business objectives.
• Experience working directly with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to drive program success and resolve issues.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Working knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, business case development, and return-on-investment (ROI) principles.
• Advanced computer proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Project, and PowerPoint.
• Experience utilizing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software, and project management tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• life, travel, and disability insurance
• flexible spending account
• 401K plans
• a pension plan
• paid holidays and vacation
• We also offer financial assistance programs if you decide to adopt a child or want to pursue further education.
• We have a comprehensive wellness program and an Employee Assistance Program, that supports individuals in the proactive management of their overall health and wellness.