Program Manager

Woodward, Inc.; Zeeland (MI); On-site; USD 115,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Stock contribution

Tuition reimbursement

12 paid holidays

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Parental leave

Life & AD&D

Flexible spending

Job summary

Woodward, Inc. is seeking a Senior Program Manager in Michigan to lead multi-project programs that power a clean energy future. You will mentor project managers, drive program governance, and own artifacts from strategy to ROI, ensuring alignment with corporate goals.

The role emphasizes cross-functional leadership, risk management, and delivering measurable business value while coordinating with stakeholders across the organization.

Qualifications

• Mechanical Engineering degree preferred.
• PMP certification preferred.
• Experience leading cross-functional programs and managing complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs and mentor Project Managers and Coordinators.
• Accountable for program results and governance.
• Maintain program artifacts: strategy, scope, schedule, budget, risk, quality, ROI.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Risk Management

Analytical Thinking

Financial Management

Program Governance

Change Management

Technical Program Management

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

PMP certification

Tools

Planisware

Jira

Job description

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.

Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Estimated annual base pay: $115,000(minimum) - $149,000(maximum)

• All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity.
• 401(k) match (4.5%)
• Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
• Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
• 12 paid holidays
• Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
• Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• Adoption Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
• Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
• Member referral bonus
• Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
• Voluntary benefits, including:
• Home / Auto Insurance discounts
• Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Actions: Lead programs. Mentors Project Managers and Project Coordinators.
• Product Actions: Accountable for program results.
• Project Artifacts: Accountable for program artifacts (strategy, benefits, scope, schedule, budget, risk, quality, project integration, ROI, etc.).
• Project Governance: Lead program Governance.
• Project Life Cycle: Accountable for program gates and deliverables.

Key Skills:

• Leadership (indirect): Leads cross-functional teams with vision, motivation, and emotional intelligence. Build trust, inspiring collaboration, and foster team performance. Takes personal ownership of the program and drives commitment from team members.
• Strategic Thinking and Alignment: Ability to align programs with organizational strategies and goals to deliver business value. Understands the broader vision and ensures projects contribute to achieving it.
• Communication: Communicates effectively to all audiences, including executives, team members, and stakeholders. Tailors' messages to different stakeholders and facilitate open, clear communication.
• Stakeholder Management: Engages, influences, and manages stakeholders at all levels. Identifies and addresses stakeholder needs, expectations, and concerns.
• Risk Management: Identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks across the program and its projects. Develop contingency plans to manage uncertainties effectively.
• Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Applies critical thinking to analyze complex problems, evaluate data, and make informed decisions. Uses metrics, KPIs, and other tools to track program progress and address issues proactively.
• Financial and Resource Management: Manages budgets, forecasts costs, and tracks financial performance across the program. Allocates and manages resources (time, budget, personnel, and materials) efficiently across multiple projects.
• Program Governance: Establishes frameworks for decision-making, accountability, and oversight. Ensures the program complies with organizational policies and standards.
• Change Management: Manages organizational change and ensures successful adoption of program outcomes. Addresses resistance to change and fosters stakeholder buy‑in for program initiatives.
• Technical Program Management Skills: Coordinates multiple interrelated projects using advanced methodologies (e.g., Agile at Scale, Lean Portfolio Management) and tools (Planisware, Jira, etc.) to align with organizational goals and deliver measurable outcomes. Manages dependencies, mitigates risks, and ensures synergy across projects within a program to maximize value and achieve program‑wide objectives. Establishes clear governance structures, defines success metrics, and communicates progress effectively with executives and cross‑functional teams to maintain alignment and transparency.

Successful Candidates Typically Have:

• Mechanical Engineering degree preferred
• PMP certification preferred

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).

Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.