Corporate Program Manager at Phoenix Closures Inc – Aurora, Illinois

Position Summary:

The Corporate Program Manager is a high-profile leader responsible for managing major corporate programs / projects and driving strategic initiatives across the organization. This position works within the PMO to ensure consistent project governance and execution excellence. The ideal candidate will have proven experience working within and/or developing a PMO as well as a strong track record of successfully managing complex projects such as equipment installations, facility build-outs, and new product launches. This role requires collaboration with all levels of the organization, as well as direct interaction with customers and suppliers, to deliver projects on time, within scope, and aligned with business objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Program Leadership: Lead and oversee major corporate programs, including capital projects, facility expansions, equipment installations, and new product commercialization.
• PMO Integration: Collaborate with the PMO to apply governance frameworks, standardized processes, and reporting systems that ensure project consistency and compliance.
• Strategic Alignment: Ensure all programs align with corporate objectives, budgets, and timelines while managing risk and resource allocation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Drive engagement across engineering, operations, marketing, sales, finance, and external stakeholders to achieve program goals.
• Project Planning & Execution: Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies; monitor progress and adjust as needed.
• Performance Reporting: Provide timely, accurate updates to leadership on program status, KPIs, and financial performance; maintain dashboards and PM tools.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion best practices in project management and PMO processes; identify opportunities for efficiency, cost reduction, and quality improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a liaison between leadership, internal teams, customers, and suppliers; manage expectations and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Team Development: Coach and mentor project managers and cross-functional teams to strengthen project execution capabilities.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure adherence to company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements throughout project lifecycle.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• BA/BS in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or related technical field.
• PMP certification is strongly preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in program and project management within a technical or manufacturing environment; the ideal candidate will have injection molding experience.
• Proven success managing complex, multi-site projects such as facility build-outs, equipment installations, and new product launches.
• Experience working within or helping to develop a PMO, including implementing governance processes and tools.
• Expertise in new product development and commercialization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all organizational levels.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Strong organizational and leadership skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for executive-level reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software (e.g., MS Project, Celoxis, SharePoint, MS Teams).
• Financial acumen for budget management and cost control.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exhibits diplomacy under pressure and stays calm in tense situations.

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Personal computer, CAD tools, PPM Tools

SOFTWARE USED:

• Microsoft Office Suite, MS Teams, SolidWorks, Celoxis, Visio

CONTACTS:

• VP, Engineering & Innovation;
• Executive Staff,
• Design Engineers;
• Mold/Tooling Engineers;
• Plant Engineers
• Internal Customers: Manufacturing, Sales, Customer Service
• External Customers
• Suppliers

SUPERVISION:

• Reports to Sr. Manager, PMO