Scope of Position:
· Senior project manager to support various projects for Company Advanced Optics (AO) division.
· Responsible for leading technical teams and working with internal and/or external customers to define and execute programs and meet customer needs.
· Defines and executes overall program plans, including project schedules, budgets, and people resource needs, to enable programs to scale appropriately in each stage to meet technical, schedule, and cost targets.
· Drives progress from initiation through delivery, reconfirming each program's value proposition at each stage, and recommending the progression (or elimination) of programs at each stage to leadership, as appropriate.
· Constantly monitors for changes in customer requirements/scope or other assumptions and determines the impact on program strategy, business case, business model, predicted level of risk, resource requirements, speed, and value proposition.
· Works with customers during each stage to keep them engaged, to manage the scope of programs, and to interpret their perception of the product being developed.
· Sets key program messages and manages the information flow related to program direction, issues, needs, and progress with key program constituencies including business leadership, corporate leadership, customers, and team members.
· Develops and manages a compelling business case (including P&L and balance sheet implications) and value proposition for the product relative to the division's strategy, market needs, and competition.
· Identifies commercial, technical, and manufacturing levers to improve the program's business case.
· Oversees product testing and evaluation to confirm the initial value proposition, build fundamental understanding of the technology that enables continue differentiation, and ensure manufacturing implementation of requirements are met.
· Identifies potential origins of strategic control, ensures that intellectual property is protected.
· Utilizes Company Tollgate process to direct program activities.
Required Education:
· BS in Engineering - Optical, Mechanical or related field (or experience in optics) (preferred), Associate's Degree with significant relevant experience (minimum).
Required Years and Area of Experience:
· 5-7+ years with proven record of executing technical programs
Required Skills:
** · Project management / leadership **
· Ability to lead technical teams in resolution of problems and execution of strategy
· Ability to interact with customers, building strong relationships for success
** · Ability to work cross functionally (commercial, technical, technology) **
· Able to track and manage program spending, revenue, resources & schedule
**· Proficient use of Microsoft Office Tools (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project)**
· Able to set project direction using project management tools (i.e., MS Project, risk assessment, scope management, etc.)
** · Able to make sound decisions by blending analytical thinking with practical judgment **
· Ability to discern technical approaches by asking the right questions of the team
· Strong formal and informal communication skills
· Ability to articulate clear direction, risks and program purpose across multiple organizational levels (management to project team)
· Able to define, prioritize & defend milestones
· Applies appropriate process discipline / process controls, including modeling the appropriate behaviour to their teams
Desired Skills:
· MS degree or higher in optics
· Ability to assist in the organization of systems for program management
· Familiarity with Company innovation process
· Knowledge and experience working with the S&T organization or other research groups
· Experience with Stage 3 to Stage 5 transfer to manufacturing
· Experience with SAP/manufacturing environment
Soft Skills (Communication/Team/Leadership):
· Ability to articulate clear direction and program purpose
· Entrepreneurial attitude and approach toward the creation of new programs
· Creative problem solver
· Desire to create products and processes that grow the AO platform
· Process discipline oriented. Follows established protocols and processes. Evaluates opportunities for improvements.
· Organized, rigorous attention to detail. Self-starter/motivated
· Experience leading internal or external technical teams in the creation of new products or services. Demonstrated ability to work with customers is a strong advantage.