Global Program Manager

Global Program Manager

The Global Program Manager at Silgan Dispensing Systems is responsible for leading complex, cross-functional programs from concept through commercialization across our global manufacturing network. This role connects customers, commercial teams, engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain into ONE aligned execution engineensuring that new platforms, value streams, and strategic customer initiatives launch on time, at the right cost, and with out-of-the-box quality and performance. You will act as the single point of accountability for defined global programs, driving clarity, structure, and urgency while building strong relationships with both internal teams and key customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Execution
• Own end-to-end delivery of assigned global programs (e.g., new product introductions, platform launches, large transfers, strategic value-stream builds). Define and maintain integrated program charters, timelines, milestones, and risk registers across regions and functions. Lead regular program cadence (core team meetings, gate reviews, exec updates) with clear actions, owners, and decision requests. Ensure robust project documentation : RACI matrices, decision logs, change histories, and program dashboards.
• Cross-Functional & Global Alignment
• Coordinate closely with Product Engineering, Tooling Engineering, Operations / Plants, Supply Chain, Quality, and Commercial teams across all regions. Align and manage plant-level responsibilities for global product lines, ensuring clear ownership and handshakes between regions and processes. Partner with Finance and Commercial to validate business cases (capex, tooling strategy, assembly and automation technologies, unit economics, margin impact)
• Customer & Stakeholder Management
• Serve as a primary program interface to key customers, ensuring transparency, credibility, and timely communication. Prepare and deliver clear updates to senior leadership and customers on status, risks, and recovery plans where needed. Translate customer requirements into actionable internal deliverables and ensure alignment with SDS capabilities and standards.
• Risk Management & Problem Solving
• Proactively identify risks and constraints (e.g., tooling capacity, molding / assembly capability, supplier readiness, regulatory constraints) and drive mitigation plans. Facilitate structured problem-solving (e.g., 8D, A3, DMAIC-style thinking) when programs encounter issues. Escalate critical issues early with data, options, and recommended paths forward.

Qualifications / Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field required; advanced degree (MBA, MS) preferred. 710+ years of experience in program / project management, preferably in manufacturing, packaging, or dispensing systems. Proven track record leading cross-functional, multi-site, or global programs from concept to launch. Experience working with injection molding, assembly automation, and / or high-volume consumer goods manufacturing is strongly preferred.

Technical & Professional Skills

Strong program management skillset : scope definition, planning, critical-path management, risk tracking, and change control. Comfortable working with technical teams (molding / tooling, product design, automation, quality) and translating complex issues into clear actions and decisions. Financial acumen to understand business cases, capex requests, unit cost drivers, and customer margin expectations. Excellent communication skillswritten and verbalwith the ability to tailor messaging for operators, engineers, commercial teams, and executives. Proficiency with standard PM tools (e.g., MS Project or equivalent, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration platforms.

Behavioral Competencies

Strong ownership mindset : acts as the "CEO" of the program, not just the coordinator. High bias for action with the ability to drive urgency while maintaining strong relationships. Collaborative, low-ego, and adept at influencing without direct authority across regions and cultures. Resilient and calm under pressure; comfortable operating in ambiguous, dynamic environments. Customer-centric, with a clear focus on delivering reliable, scalable solutions that build long-term partnerships.

Travel

Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (approximately [2030%], depending on program needs) to plants, suppliers, and customer sites.