Program Manager in Dayton, Minnesota at States Manufacturing LLC

Program Manager | Electrical Power Distribution - Results-driven Program Manager with deep industry expertise in electrical power distribution, specializing in executing complex projects from order entry through shipment. Proven track record of managing high-value customer relationships, leading cross-functional internal teams, and managing tight project budgets while aggressively driving margin improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

Key Qualifications & Professional Experience

• End-to-End Program Leadership: Develop, manage, and execute comprehensive project plans and schedules, proactively identifying bottlenecks, accelerating timelines, and streamlining workflows through product start up and turn over.
• Cross-Functional & Team Leadership: Champion, direct, and lead multidisciplinary project teams; lead high-impact design reviews and status meetings to drive alignment across Sales, Engineering, Production, and Quality, ensuring clear ownership of technical details and seamless project execution
• Third-Party & Vendor Management: Oversee third-party subcontractors as required; define component requirements, manage lead times, mitigate supply chain delays, and ensure external deliverables meet strict quality and schedule standards.
• Customer Relationship & Technical Management: Serve as the primary, Program liaison for customer interactions—from defining specifications and clarifying sales orders to delivering regular updates, implementing feedback, and resolving critical issues.
• Financial & Margin Optimization: Own and report on project budgets, identify and executing strategic initiatives to improve project margins and profitability over time.
• Testing, Inspection, & Quality Assurance: Drive and support factory inspections, quality checks, and both internal and customer-witnessed testing to guarantee compliance with project specifications.
• Document Control & Delivery Coordination: Manage all critical project documentation—including schedules, submittals, manuals, and technical data packages—while coordinating final logistics and site-delivery requirements.

Travel:

• Ability to travel to supplier and customer sites at reasonable notice to support strong partnerships, in-person collaboration, and a shared understanding of needs and priorities.
• Available to travel with peaks >50% per month

Qualifications:

Required:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Project Management, or related technical field
• Knowledge of electrical power distribution equipment required
• Experience using ERP systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Ability to pass background and drug screening
• Strong teamwork, problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in Business or Engineering (e.g., MBA, MS, or equivalent)
• PMP certification or formal project management training
• Experience with engineered-to-order or manufacturing environments
• Understanding of UL, NEC, and industry standards
• Experience coordinating FATs, field testing, or commissioning activities
• Experience focusing on single customer account

Skills and Competencies:

• Project Management & Coordination
• Technical Aptitude (Electrical Power Distribution)
• Communication & Customer Interaction
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking
• Organization & Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Decision-Making & Prioritization
• Documentation & Reporting Accuracy
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Benefits:

• PTO/ESST
• Paid holidays
• $100 individual deductible and $300 family deductible health insurance
• Paid Weekly
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• 401K / Life Insurance / STD

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