Sr. Program Manager - Contract (Macon, GA)

The PMO Squad; Macon (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The PMO Squad is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead Advanced Engineering program initiatives end-to-end. You’ll drive planning, scheduling, budgeting, and governance, reporting to the VP of Program Management.

This hands-on role emphasizes building robust processes and delivering results rather than maintaining the status quo. Ideal candidates have a track record managing complex programs in manufacturing or technical environments, excellent cross-functional leadership, and the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering field.
• 7+ years managing major, complex projects.
• 2+ years in a manufacturing or technical environment.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident eligible to work in the U.S.
• Proactive, can-do mindset with independent ownership.
• Willing to travel up to 50%.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for assigned project teams.
• Lead development of project scope, timing, and budget; coordinate activities to stay on time and on budget.
• Build detailed timing plans in Microsoft Project with team input.
• Create and negotiate Statements of Work (SOWs) with stakeholders and third parties.
• Communicate deliverable expectations; monitor tasks to align with stage-gate process.
• Coach and guide project team members; report status to executives.

Skills

Leadership

Ownership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Adaptability

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering

MBA/Engineering Management (nice-to-have)

Tools

Microsoft Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

A leading OEM manufacturer of specialty vehicles is growing its Advanced Engineering Program Management discipline during a strong growth year. You'll lead complex, major program initiatives end-to-end - from planning through Gate Review - reporting to the VP, Program Management. This is a hands-on execution role for someone who wants to build, not just maintain.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, vision, and direction for assigned project teams


• Lead development of project scope, timing, and budget; coordinate activities to keep programs on time and on budget


• Build detailed, achievable timing plans in Microsoft Project using team input


• Create and negotiate Statements of Work (SOWs) between internal stakeholders and third-party providers; monitor and assign internal actions to completion


• Communicate deliverable expectations; plan, monitor, and review project tasks to ensure adherence to the company's stage-gate product development process


• Coach and guide project team members


• Identify resource requirements and communicate needs to functional area leaders


• Make decisions and take independent action on matters directly affecting project objectives


• Continuously evaluate project status and report regularly to Executive Management and key stakeholders


• Prepare Gate Review documentation and lead review meetings with management


• Manage and report on budgets, spend, and product costs


• Drive cross-functional teams effectively even under pressure and shifting priorities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or an Engineering-related field


• Minimum 7 years managing major, complex projects


• 2+ years in a manufacturing or technical environment


• S. citizen or permanent resident, authorized to work in the U.S.


• Proactive, can-do mindset with the ability to operate independently and take ownership


• Comfortable with ambiguity and fast-paced, shifting priorities


• Willing and able to travel up to 50%


• Open to a 6+ month contract engagement

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• MBA or Master's in Engineering Management


• PMP Certification


• Technical or engineering development background


• Experience managing a product development program from concept to launch


• Experience with process development and continuous improvement


• Microsoft Project, Excel, and PowerPoint (advanced proficiency)


• Manufacturing/OEM environment with a formal stage-gate development process


• Cross-functional, matrixed team structure with executive-level reporting

Ideal Candidate Profile

You're a doer, not someone who watches things happen - you take ownership and drive outcomes without needing heavy oversight. You anticipate problems before they escal… and bring a strong, driven, \"figure it out\" attitude to fast-moving, ambiguous situations. You're equally comfortable running a detailed project plan and presenting program status to senior executives, and you thrive in a manufacturing environment where the stakes and the pace are both high.