Program Manager

Program Manager / Project Manager - Product DevelopmentCompany OverviewOur client, a **Fortune 100 manufacturing company** based in the USA, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Manager / Project Manager to lead their product development initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to work with a industry-leading organization known for innovation, operational excellence, and market leadership in the manufacturing sector.Position SummaryContract-to-Hire Opportunity | 6-Month Initial Contract with Full-Time ConversionWe are looking for a seasoned Program Manager / Project Manager to join our Fortune 100 manufacturing client on a contract-to-hire basis. This role offers an initial 6-month contract period with the opportunity for full-time employment upon successful completion. The ideal candidate will oversee and coordinate product development projects from conception to delivery, bridging the gap between business stakeholders and technical teams while ensuring seamless execution of product roadmaps. This role requires deep expertise in Agile methodologies and hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementations.Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Development Leadership- Collaborate closely with Product Owners to translate business requirements into actionable development plans- Lead cross-functional teams of developers, testers, and stakeholders through the complete product development lifecycle- Facilitate sprint planning, daily standups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives in an Agile environment- Manage product backlogs and ensure proper prioritization of user stories and featuresProject Management Excellence- Develop comprehensive project plans, timelines, and resource allocation strategies- Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies- Ensure adherence to Agile SDLC best practices including sprint management and user story development- Coordinate with multiple stakeholders to ensure alignment on project objectives and deliverablesMicrosoft D365 ERP Expertise- Lead Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementation and enhancement projects within manufacturing environments- Manage D365 integrations, customizations, and system optimizations for manufacturing operations- Collaborate with business users to understand manufacturing-specific ERP requirements and translate them into technical specifications- Oversee D365 testing phases, including UAT coordination and go-live activities in production environmentsTeam Coordination & Communication- Serve as the primary point of contact between technical teams and business stakeholders- Facilitate effective communication across all project phases- Provide regular status updates and reports to senior leadership- Foster a collaborative environment that promotes innovation and continuous improvement Required QualificationsCertifications & Experience- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification** OR **Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification- Minimum 5+ years of Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP project management experience** (Critical requirement)- 7+ years of overall project/program management experience- 3+ years of hands-on experience with Agile/Scrum methodologiesTechnical Skills- Proven experience managing software development projects in Agile environments- Strong understanding of sprint planning, user story creation, and backlog management- Experience with project management tools (Azure DevOps, Jira, Microsoft Project, etc.)- Knowledge of software development lifecycle (SDLC) best practices- Familiarity with testing methodologies and quality assurance processesCore Competencies- Exceptional leadership and team management skills- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities- Excellent verbal and written communication skills- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail- Experience working in cross-functional, matrixed organizational structuresPreferred Qualifications- Manufacturing industry experience (highly preferred)- Additional Microsoft certifications (D365, Azure, Power Platform)- Experience with both Scrum and Kanban methodologies- Background in enterprise software implementations within manufacturing environments- MBA or advanced degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, or related field- Experience with digital transformation initiatives in manufacturing- Knowledge of integration platforms and APIs- Familiarity with manufacturing processes (supply chain, production planning, quality management)What We OfferContract Period (6 Months)- Competitive hourly rate commensurate with experience- Opportunity to work with a Fortune 100 industry leader- Exposure to enterprise-level manufacturing operations and systems- Access to cutting-edge technologies and large-scale projects- Professional development opportunitiesFull-Time Conversion OpportunityUpon successful completion of the 6-month contract period, our client offers:- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package- Health, dental, and vision insurance- 401(k) with company matching- Paid time off and holidays- Professional development and certification reimbursement- Long-term career growth within a stable, industry-leading organization- Job security with a Fortune 100 companyContract-to-Hire Process- Initial Contract: 6-month contract period to demonstrate skills and cultural fit- Performance Evaluation: Regular check-ins and formal evaluation at month 4-5- Full-Time Conversion: Successful contractors will receive a full-time offer with competitive salary and full benefits- Seamless Transition: No gap in employment when converting from contract to full-timeLocation & Work Arrangement**Location: Cincinatti , USA **Work Arrangement: On-site ---**Ready to join a Fortune 100 manufacturing leader?** This contract-to-hire opportunity offers the perfect pathway to secure a permanent position with an industry giant while demonstrating your expertise in a real-world environment.**To Apply:** Please submit your resume along with a cover letter highlighting your relevant Microsoft D365 ERP project management experience and Agile/PMP certifications. We will review applications promptly and contact qualified candidates for initial screening.**Note:** This is a contract-to-hire position through our recruiting partnership. We will guide you through the entire process from contract placement to full-time conversion.*We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.*#ProjectManagement #ProgramManagement #MicrosoftD365 #AgileManagement #PMP #ScrumMaster #ProductDevelopment #ERP