Program Manager - Strategic Planning

Power Solutions International - Darien, WI

Full-time - Mid Level

Darien, WI

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

About the position

The Program Manager - Strategic Planning at Power Solutions International (PSI) is responsible for overseeing and managing the tracking of customer shipments throughout the entire production lifecycle. This role requires a hands-on leader with strong project management skills and exceptional cross-functional communication abilities. The Program Manager will work closely with key stakeholders to optimize processes, ensure timely deliveries, and drive improvements in planning, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 timelines.
• 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.

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 strategic recommendations.
• 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 industries preferred.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Proficiency in AI or digital automation tools for manufacturing process optimization preferred.

Nice-to-haves

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

Benefits

• Diversity and inclusion commitment
• Drug-free workplace