Program Manager - Strategic Planning

Power Solutions International (PSI) is a leading manufacturer of emissions-certified powertrains specializing in customized and fully integrated turnkey solutions for the leading global equipment manufacturers in the industrial, transportation, and energy markets manufacturers. Our facilities are housed in one million square feet of engineering, assembly, operations, and distribution space across seven facilities. We are positioned to meet the high production volumes of our customers with added capacity for growth.

Summary:

Reporting to the Head of Strategic Management, the Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing the tracking of customer shipments throughout the entire production lifecycle, ensuring seamless coordination between Sales, Engineering, and Production. This role requires a hands-on leader with strong project management skills, exceptional cross-functional communication abilities, and a strategic mindset. The Program Manager will work closely with key stakeholders to optimize processes, ensure timely deliveries, and drive improvements in planning, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. This position is based in Darien, WI, and is hybrid-eligible.

Responsibilities:

Program Management:

• Work in partnership with the Chief Engineer to identify critical paths/milestones and shorten the design/build cycle times of custom products in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Assume a leadership role within the organization and establish a close working relationship with the departmental leaders of each functional area
• Utilize technical skillset to support issue resolution during all phases of each program from scoping to shipping
• Coordinate appropriate internal discussions at each project milestone, identify where risks lie, develop mitigation plans, and assign ownership
• Establish formal Project Management tools within the organization
• Identify process efficiency and strategic opportunities for improvement, develop execution plan, and oversee implementation
• Create and maintain full-facility metrics dashboard and use to identify process/supply chain/etc. bottlenecks

Cross-Department Coordination:

• Serve as the primary point of contact between Sales, Engineering, and Production to ensure all customer orders are tracked, managed, and delivered on time
• Align with sales teams to understand customer requirements, delivery timelines, and order priorities
• Coordinate with engineering teams to ensure product designs are aligned with customer specifications and production capabilities
• Work with production teams to manage capacity planning and ensure resources are allocated to meet delivery schedules

Customer Shipment Tracking:

• Develop and implement a standardized process for tracking customer shipments throughout the order lifecycle
• Utilize tracking tools and software to monitor order progress from sales confirmation to shipment, ensuring all milestones are met
• Generate real-time dashboards and reports for leadership, detailing shipment status, bottlenecks, and potential delays

Strategic Planning & Process Improvement:

• Provide strategic oversight to optimize processes across Sales, Engineering, and Production, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer needs
• Identify areas for process improvements in shipment tracking, communication, and resource allocation, and implement best practices to enhance operational efficiency
• Lead initiatives to improve supply chain transparency and predictability, minimizing production delays and maximizing on-time deliveries

Risk Management & Problem Resolution:

• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to customer shipments, including production bottlenecks, supply chain disruptions, and engineering delays
• Collaborate with teams to resolve shipment-related issues and develop contingency plans to minimize the impact on delivery timeline

Reporting & Stakeholder Communication:

• Provide regular updates to leadership on the status of key shipments, strategic initiatives, and process improvements
• Conduct root-cause analysis on any missed shipment deadlines, working with cross-functional teams to implement corrective actions
• Prepare and present strategic recommendations for improving overall shipment performance and customer satisfaction
• All other duties as assigned by management

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field. MBA or relevant advanced degree is preferred
• 5+ years of experience in a program management or operations management role, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience overseeing complex projects involving cross-functional teams, ideally with a focus on supply chain, customer shipments, or production operations
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously
• Proficiency in supply chain management software (e.g., ERP, MRP) and shipment tracking tools
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments
• Analytical mindset with the ability to solve problems, identify process inefficiencies, and develop a strategic recommendation
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

• Experience in an engine manufacturing company or related heavy equipment industry is preferred
• Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred
• Proficiency in AI or digital automation tools for manufacturing process optimization preferred

Power Solutions International is an EOE disability/vet company offering a drug-free workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.