Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Program Manager / Projects Group Manager

Location : Dallas, TX (Onsite – no remote)

Compensation : $100,000-$120,000 / year + 10% bonus

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on, customer-facing Program Manager to lead complex manufacturing projects from start to finish while building and overseeing a growing Project Management function. This role sits within the Engineering Project Group and is responsible for quarterbacking the entire project lifecycle — from contract handoff through execution, delivery, and closeout.

This is not a desk-only role. The ideal candidate is comfortable on a machining / manufacturing floor, thrives in fast-paced environments, and has the leadership presence and resilience to manage challenges as they arise. The Program Manager will lead by example, interface directly with customers, and establish scalable project management processes while mentoring and developing a team of Project Managers.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Customer Leadership

Own the full lifecycle of manufacturing projects from kickoff through completion, ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives are met

Serve as the primary customer-facing escalation point for complex and high-visibility projects

Build and maintain strong client relationships, managing expectations and resolving issues proactively

Negotiate change orders, delivery schedules, and project adjustments on complex programs

Partner with Business Development and Estimating during pre-award and post-award project negotiations

Operational & Floor Engagement

Maintain a strong on-site presence, regularly engaging on the machining / manufacturing floor to support execution and problem-solving

Work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and quality teams to ensure seamless project execution

Participate in high-level supplier and vendor discussions and negotiations as needed

Team Leadership & PMO Development

Lead, mentor, and oversee existing Project Managers while helping build and scale the Project Management team

Provide direct supervision to 2–3 Project Managers initially, with responsibility to grow the function over time

Partner closely with the PMO to align standards, tools, and reporting across projects

Hire, train, and develop project management staff, conducting performance reviews and supporting professional growth

Establish and standardize project management best practices across the organization

Process, Metrics & Continuous Improvement

Develop and implement project management processes that support consistent, high-quality delivery

Create systems to track project workloads, resource balancing, and team capacity

Establish and monitor key project and department metrics, including cost, schedule, and profitability

Conduct cost analysis and profitability reviews for assigned programs

Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to project execution and PMO effectiveness

Travel

Approximately 25% travel to customer sites and project locations across the United States

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or a related technical field

5+ years of experience in project or program management within a manufacturing environment

2+ years of experience leading or supervising project management teams

Strong customer-facing skills with experience managing high-stakes projects and escalations

Comfortable working in a machining or manufacturing floor environment

Proven ability to lead through challenges and maintain composure when issues arise

Willingness to work fully onsite in Dallas, TX (no remote)

Preferred

Experience within the power, industrial, or heavy manufacturing industries

PMP certification or formal project management training (preferred, not required)

Experience building or scaling a PMO or project management function