Operations Program Manager

Location/Division Specific Information

** On-site at our Prince George, VA facility. **

This role is to support a new factory in Prince George, VA (onsite) startup manufacturing large form-factor equipment. The product will be large (shipping container size), heavy (50+ tons), and complex. This position will be part of the core factory startup and onboarding team responsible for building the operations and manufacturing staff, fitting out the building, and creating the process flow/work instructions/etc.

from the ground up.

You will serve as the primary leader for program execution and operational excellence, ensuring customer commitments are met while building scalable manufacturing processes and a culture of continuous improvement.

Through strong cross-functional leadership, you will drive successful product launches, improve operational performance, and support the growth of a world-class manufacturing operation.

• Lead customer programs from quotation through production and product lifecycle management.
• Own and drive the site's Product Lifecycle Commercial Management (PLCM) process.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, EHS, Finance, and Human Resources.
• Develop and manage program schedules, milestones, budgets, risks, and resource plans.
• Monitor program performance related to cost, quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead customer reviews, business reviews, and operational status meetings.
• Drive successful new product introductions (NPI), product transfers, and manufacturing launch activities.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives across the site.
• Facilitate value stream mapping, kaizen events, waste reduction efforts, and operational improvement projects.
• Develop and deploy systems that improve productivity, quality, delivery, inventory management, and cost performance.
• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving initiatives to improve operational effectiveness.
• Coach and mentor leaders, engineers, supervisors, and operators on Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Track and validate operational improvements, cost savings, and business results.
• Support strategic planning and organizational development initiatives.
• Champion safety, quality, compliance, and operational excellence across the facility.

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related discipline required. Master's degree is a plus.

5+ years of experience in Program Management, Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, Continuous Improvement, or related leadership roles. Experience managing customer programs and leading cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment. Experience supporting new product introductions (NPI), manufacturing launches, or startup operations. Experience leading Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. Experience supporting large form-factor manufacturing, industrial equipment, power systems, heavy machinery, switch gear, electrical assemblies, or other complex engineered products is highly preferred.

Experience working in a high-mix, low-volume or engineered-to-order manufacturing environment is a plus.

Strong program and project management skills with the ability to manage complex initiatives simultaneously. Deep understanding of manufacturing operations, product lifecycle management, and operational excellence principles. Proven leadership experience driving cross-functional collaboration and organizational change. Strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Industrial Engineering, and problem-solving methodologies. Experience leading value stream mapping, kaizen events, and process optimization initiatives. Strong business acumen with the ability to balance customer requirements, operational objectives, and financial performance.

Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills. Strong analytical capabilities, including root cause analysis, process improvement, and performance metrics management. Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels without direct authority. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing business systems.

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification strongly preferred. Experience leading large-scale Lean transformations or operational excellence…