Program Manager I – Engineering Process Improvement & Innovation

City of Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Retirement benefits

Job summary

City Utilities Engineering seeks a Program Manager I to lead process improvement and innovation across engineering teams. You will turn data, ideas, and technology into practical changes that improve efficiency, customer service, and reduce costs.

The role requires coordinating across staff, pilots, and new tools to ensure lasting impact. Responsibilities include analyzing workflows, developing Lean/Six Sigma strategies, establishing performance measures, and guiding hiring, training, and daily

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Systems/Operations Engineering or related field, or an associate degree with 10+ years of leadership in operations.
• 5+ years of experience using Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methods.
• Strong leadership, communication, change management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel pivot tables, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to collaborate with engineering teams, operations staff, consultants, vendors, and government bodies.

Responsibilities

• Lead process improvement initiatives across teams to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Identify bottlenecks in workflows and guide change.
• Introduce new tools and coordinate pilot programs.
• Establish performance measures, track results, and report savings.
• Supervise employees and support hiring, training, and performance management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Change management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Management, or related field

Associate degree with 10+ years experience leading operations and process improvement

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Program Manager I - Engineering Process Improvement & Innovation

7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; hours may vary

Have you led process improvements for a municipal government or utility-and used project management, performance measures, and staff training to make change last?

Can you recognize where a process is slowing people down and lead the change that makes it work better? City Utilities Engineering is looking for an innovative leader who can turn data, ideas, and technology into practical improvements.

What You'll Do

Lead process improvement and innovation initiatives that help City Utilities Engineering operate more efficiently, improve customer service, reduce costs, and prepare for future needs. This position works across teams to evaluate current practices, introduce new tools, and guide meaningful change.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze engineering and development workflows to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and lead process improvement strategies using Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methods.
• Introduce new tools and technologies, coordinate pilot programs, and evaluate opportunities for broader use.
• Establish performance measures, track results, document savings, and prepare reports and presentations.
• Supervise assigned employees and support hiring, training, performance management, and daily team direction.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Management, or a related engineering or management field; or an associate degree with at least 10 years of experience leading operations and process improvement.
• At least five years of experience using Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methods.
• Strong leadership, communication, change management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel pivot tables, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to work effectively with engineering teams, operations staff, consultants, contractors, vendors, government agencies, and the public.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for or with a municipal government or utility.
• Experience with project management, performance measures, KPIs, grant applications, and staff training.
• Adobe Illustrator experience.
• Spanish or Burmese language skills.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Indiana driver's license if operating a City vehicle.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in office and field environments, which may occasionally include weather conditions, moving vehicles, fumes, or airborne particles.

Why Work for the City of Fort Wayne?

This is an opportunity to lead improvements that strengthen public utility services and support Fort Wayne's continued growth.

• Competitive benefits package that includes health coverage, paid time off, paid holidays, and retirement benefits through Indiana Public Retirement System.

Equal Opportunity Employer