SR Program Manager

Cascade Engineering is a Family of Companies that invests in our triple bottom line philosophy - People, Planet and Profit. We have been in business for over 50 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people centered leadership culture based on the principles of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.Are you looking for a positive and encouraging environment? Are you seeking a position where you are included, recognized and celebrated? You belong here! Are you excited for what is ahead? We are too!Scope of ResponsibilityJoin us as a Senior Program Manager, you'll be the driving force behind bringing innovative products to life, leading cross-functional teams from concept through production launch. You'll own program success by balancing quality, cost, timing, and customer expectations while building strong partnerships with both customers and internal teams. This is a high-impact leadership role where you'll solve complex challenges, manage risks, drive accountability, and ensure successful launches that deliver outstanding results.Are you a collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and inspires others to perform at their best? Beyond managing programs, you'll help shape our culture by embracing servant leadership, building high-trust relationships, and living the principles of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, being proactive, putting first things first, seeking win-win solutions, and continuously improving. Are you a proactive leader who loves turning vision into action, challenges into opportunities, and goals into success? You belong here!Location: West Plant at 5055 36th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI. 49512Target Pay: The target starting base salary for this position is $100,000.00 - $136,000.00 / year (plus quarterly bonus and sales incentive). Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Cascade Engineering considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.What You'll Be DoingEnsures the launch team adheres to all safety procedures and guidelinesOversees the management of all programs and assumes responsibility for customer deliverablesDevelops, teaches, and monitors common program management disciplines and ensures consistent use of these disciplines in all programsGate keeper for understanding expectations of the customers. Together with account management, pushing back respectfully when outside of scope.Owns program and is clear leader for mobilizing both internal and external resources to meet program requirementsInitiates and maintains project folders and APLS workbooksLeads and coordinates launch team meetings and updates the open issues matrixOwns the APQP process and is responsible for the completion of checklist itemsIs the voice of reason on launch - develops business cases for additional expenses short term that could be better for the life of the program for long term safety, quality, and efficiencyTracks and controls all projects in real time, ensuring that all chargeable costs are assigned to the customerLeads activities to meet quality and delivery goals for successful start of production as defined by the customer statement of workLeads program reviews that provide appropriate status, and updated for cost, timing, and risk managementObtains management approval prior to making decisions that will cause deterioration of established program, cost, and schedule objectivesClearly and effectively communicates program status to leadership and other stakeholders, including timing, financial status, business and technical risks, issues and actions, and need for support.Develops and implements corrective action plans when deviations from budgets and/or schedules are evidentCoordinates and facilitates gate reviews from gate 1 through gate 5. With Plant Manager, is responsible for ensuring plant and program readiness for launch.Assures a timely closeout of complete programs to ensure that all obligations are satisfied and program documentation is properly recordedPerforms additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectivesCulture BearerUnderstands and supports the values of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL)Exhibits high moral and ethical standards and high integrityValues people regardless of their backgroundExhibits the traits of a servant leaderExhibit the principles of 7 Habits and Emotional IntelligenceEncourages open dialogue and communicationDevelops high trust relationships within all levels of the organizationPursues ExcellenceAt Cascade Engineering, we welcome and celebrate diversity and inclusion. We are committed to fostering an authentic workplace where everyone belongs and thrives, and we look forward to welcoming candidates who are enthusiastic about contributing to our community. If you are passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply. We recognize that women and people of color are often underrepresented in manufacturing and want to see this change. When making hiring decisions, we believe in considering the whole person and the life experiences they bring to our teams. Our diversity drives our innovation and has been integral to our success.Bachelors of Science in Business, Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field5+ years of experience in program management or product development functionDemonstrated superior decision making/leadership abilities in managing multiple programs to meet goals (quality, cost, and delivery of programs)Excellent problem solving and analytical skillsAbility to lead a team and communicate effectively (written and verbal)Detail oriented individual with good organizational skillsDemonstrated accountability and drive for results, coupled with the ability to work with minimal supervision & ability to push self/others for results requiredProficient in Microsoft 365PreferredPMP (Project Management Professional) CertificationKnowledge and application of agile project management processesMBA or Master's Degree in Engineering related field10+ years of experience in product development functionAbility to function independently in customer settingBenefitsMedical, Dental, Vision Insurance - Starting on Day 1Life Insurance (Company Paid and Supplemental)401K with match – Starting on Day 1Flex Spending and Health Savings AccountsQuarterly Bonus ProgramPaid Time OffEmployee Assistance ProgramShort- and Long-Term Disability (Company Paid)Onsite Medical ClinicPerksWeekly PayChildcare Assistance (Tri-Share)Flexible Hours & SchedulingAttendance Recognition ProgramVoucher programs for Safety Shoes and Prescription Safety GlassesEmployee Discount ProgramsEmployee Referral & Retention Bonus ProgramAdoption AssistanceTuition ReimbursementFree Uniforms / T-shirtsEmployee Resource GroupsSmoking Cessation Products and Programs