Job Description

The Program Manager will be responsible for managing mid-to-large-scale, internal and external complex new product development programs with multi-functional & global core teams; responsibilities include the planning of all project activities, synchronization of all Core Team actions and deliverables and complete ownership of the overall project schedule, resource requirements, risk assessment and project investment analysis/budget.

The Program Manager is responsible for both directly and indirectly driving program execution and all development efforts. They are accountable for product quality, program investment, delivery to schedule, product cost, and resource allocation.

The candidate will have under their scope of responsibility aiding the team in the business case development and ensuring that the program activities meet internal and external customer requirements and follow OSTA’s (Olympus Surgical Technologies of America) Product Development Process (PDP), including communicating various progress reports and reviews with senior leadership.

Job Duties

• Plan and execute complex, mid-to-large scale internal and external new product development programs (made up of multiple cross-functional projects with distinct goals).
• Lead the Core Team in the development of a project charter, objectives, project plan and schedule for assigned program.
• Develop and manage budgets for the program including resource loading, external expenses, and capital requirements.
• Proactively identify and assess areas of risk, escalate issues in a timely manner and collaboratively develop solutions.
• Implement and manage project changes and interventions to achieve timely project outputs.
• Proactively manage project-related actions and deliverables, holding team members accountable for completion.
• Create, align, and provide regular project updates (written and verbal) to appropriate stakeholders and relevant management board; create presentations, dashboards, and executive summaries – both scheduled and ad hoc.
• Conduct effective cross-functional team meetings to ensure accountability and milestone achievements; create agendas and publish minutes/actions.
• Build team ownership and commitment to project and business plans and define project milestones, deliverables, and associated resource requirements.
• Actively manage cross-functional project teams (and external partners) through planning and execution, providing direction and guidance as well as collaborating with functional managers to coach Core Team members when needed.
• Identify performance issues and conflicts within project team; collaborate with functional management to resolve these issues.
• Provide input to functional managers on team member performance.
• Facilitate a team culture of continuous improvement and teamwork that strives to improve in quality, safety, delivery, and cost.
• Actively seek collaboration and build relationships with internal customers and external partners to improve overall outcomes and timely project completion.
• Gain cooperation and commitment from people through influence, not authority.
• May support functional excellence initiatives.
• Participate in early-stage business case development and planning efforts of a program.
• Collaborate with functional leaders to define early-stage estimates of schedule, budget, and resources.
• May act as a program portfolio manager for a low-complexity business unit, partnering with leadership to define priority and manage program conflict.
• Other essential duties as directed.

Job Qualifications

Required:

• BS degree in engineering or technical field required; MS or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a regulated industry such as aerospace, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals – Class 2 medical device industry experience highly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience preferably in a R&D, engineering, or project management role, interfacing with new product development.
• Minimum 3 years of successful demonstrated experience in managing large technical complex new product development programs, preferably devices/systems containing software.
• Experience with applicable FDA guidance, ISO 13485 regulations, and applicable industry standards.
• Position requires up to 20% domestic travel.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills with background and experience in project management principles, practices, techniques, and tools.
• Must be able to work independently and be self-motivated with a strong sense of urgency, and drive for results.
• Ability to work in an environment with competing priorities; effective at dealing with change and ambiguity as business needs shift, demonstrating flexibility while ensuring compliance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and comfortable and adaptable presenting to different audiences and levels of the organization.
• Expert-level user of Microsoft Project; highly proficient in Excel, Power Point, Visio, and Word.
• Significant history of project management training; PMP certification preferred.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to operate effectively in a team environment.
• Group facilitation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to analyse complex problems, interpret operational needs, and develop integrated, creative solutions.
• Experience with and/or training in change management.