Program Manager in Manitowoc, Wisconsin at Shipbuilders of Wisconsin

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Manager is a high-visibility leadership role responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing complex shipbuilding programs from contract handoff through construction, testing, delivery, and warranty support. This role leads cross-functional execution across engineering, supply chain, production, quality, and finance to ensure vessel scope, schedule, cost, safety, and quality objectives are achieved. The Program Manager serves as the primary interface for the customer and internal leadership, ensuring decisions, priorities, and risks are managed proactively throughout the build lifecycle.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead cross-functional teams through all phases of ship construction, integration, testing, sea trials, delivery, and post-delivery support.Serve as the primary point of contact for the customer, owner’s representatives, class/regulatory agencies, and senior leadership on all program matters.Develop and manage integrated program plans, critical path schedules, milestones, and status reporting to ensure on-time execution.Monitor program budgets, labor performance, material commitments, and forecasted costs; escalate variances and drive recovery plans as needed.Coordinate with engineering, supply chain, and production to ensure timely release of drawings, procurement of materials and equipment, and resolution of build issues.Manage program risks, technical issues, and schedule constraints by developing mitigation strategies and driving timely cross-functional decisions.Oversee contract compliance, specification alignment, change management, and configuration control throughout the vessel build process.Support inspections, testing, commissioning, and regulatory/class interactions to ensure the vessel is delivered in accordance with customer requirements and quality standards.Champion continuous improvement, standard work, and lessons learned to strengthen program execution and overall shipyard performance.Perform other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Business, Project Management, or a related technical field preferred.7+ years of progressive experience in shipbuilding, vessel repair, marine manufacturing, or complex industrial program management.Equivalent combinations of education and significant shipbuilding or marine operations experience will be considered.Demonstrated ability to manage program scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk across multiple stakeholders in a production environment.Working knowledge of ship construction processes, contract specifications, change management, and class or regulatory requirements is strongly preferred.Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with customers and executive leadership.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/project scheduling tools; experience with Syteline and project scheduling systems is preferred.

MANAGES / DIRECT REPORTS: This position has no direct reports.

DECISION MAKING:

Exercise regularly good judgment consistent with Burger’s mission, vision and code of business conduct on a regular and continuous basis. Assume full responsibility for appropriate decisions, consequences, and results having an impact on Burger, its staff, vendors and the quality of service within the assigned operational area.