Program Manager I or II

Woodward; Niles (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus opportunity

401(k) match (4.5%)

Stock contribution (5%)

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Woodward is seeking experienced program leaders to drive Level I/II initiatives that deliver strategic value across engineering, manufacturing and supply chain. You will mentor project managers, own program artifacts, and govern complex, high-risk programs while ensuring alignment with business goals and ROI.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, customer communication, and strong governance to meet milestones and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Lead programs and mentor project teams to ensure successful execution.
• Own program results and align with goals and ROI.
• Develop and refine program artifacts: strategy, scope, schedule, budget.

Responsibilities

• Lead governance for high-risk programs and ensure policy compliance.
• Resolve cross-functional challenges across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain.
• Present updates to customers and build strong relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Alignment

Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Risk Management

Analytical Thinking

Financial Management

Change Management

Program Management Tools

Tools

Jira

Planisware

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.

Level I:

Estimated annual base pay: $115,000 (minimum) - $149,500 (midpoint) - $184,000 (maximum)

Level II:

Estimated annual base pay: $143,000 (minimum) - $179,000 (midpoint) - $215,000 (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

Level I: Key Responsibilities

• Lead programs and mentor Project Managers and Coordinators to ensure successful project execution.
• Own program results, ensuring alignment with goals and objectives.
• Create and manage program artifacts such as strategy, benefits, scope, schedule, budget, risk, quality, and ROI.
• Lead program governance efforts and ensure compliance with organizational policies.
• Manage program gates and deliverables, ensuring timely progress and completion.

Level II: Key Responsibilities

• Lead high-complexity, high-risk programs, and directly manage Project Managers and Coordinators.
• Drive program results that align with long-term organizational strategies and business goals.
• Develop and refine detailed program artifacts while adapting them to strategic priorities and business needs.
• Lead governance efforts for high-risk programs, ensuring strong oversight and compliance with policies.
• Resolve cross-functional challenges and ensure alignment across departments (e.g., engineering, manufacturing, supply chain).
• Act as the primary contact for customers, presenting updates, resolving issues, and building relationships.

Level I: Key Skills

• Leadership (Indirect): Inspire cross-functional teams using emotional intelligence, building trust, and fostering collaboration.
• Strategic Alignment: Align programs with organizational strategies to deliver measurable business value.
• Communication: Effectively communicate with team members, stakeholders, and executives, tailoring messages to different audiences.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Identify and address stakeholder needs, expectations, and concerns to foster positive relationships.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks while developing contingency plans to handle uncertainties.
• Analytical Thinking: Apply critical thinking to solve complex problems and track progress using metrics and KPIs.
• Financial Management: Manage budgets, forecast costs, and allocate resources efficiently across multiple projects.
• Change Management: Support adoption of program outcomes and address resistance to change effectively.
• Program Management Tools: Utilize methodologies like Agile or Lean Portfolio Management and tools such as Jira or Planisware to manage projects efficiently.

Level II: Key Skills

• Leadership (Direct and Indirect): Lead cross-functional teams directly or indirectly with vision and emotional intelligence, driving performance and accountability.
• Strategic Vision: Demonstrate ability to align programs with organizational strategies while contributing to the creation of broader strategic goals.
• Advanced Communication: Communicate effectively across diverse audiences, including executives, customers, and stakeholders, delivering clear and impactful messages.
• Proactive Stakeholder Engagement: Anticipate stakeholder needs and proactively address expectations and concerns.
• Advanced Risk Management: Develop contingency plans and adapt strategies to effectively mitigate risks in high-complexity programs.
• Critical Problem-Solving: Solve complex program issues using advanced data analysis, critical thinking, and KPI tracking