Associate Director of Program Management jobs in Saint Louis, MO

Director Program Management

Location: Washington, MO 

Supervisor: GM

FLSA Classification: Exempt/Salaried

Department: ISVS

The Challenge: The position of Director Program Management serves as a strategic business partner to Clemco’s General Manager and the company’s Industrial Solutions Value Stream (ISVS). The role will support several key business functions, including project management, product management, sales, manufacturing, and engineering:

Strategic Leadership: As an integral part of Clemco’s extended leadership team, the Director Program Management will perform a pivotal role in aiding project managers in developing market price solutions during the opportunity management process to arrive at final price on Clemco’s firm proposals to ensure adequate profitability for the ISVS. In addition, once proposals are converted to orders, the Director Program Management will take charge of overseeing a portfolio of projects, expertly guiding them through the design and manufacturing processes to ensure successful completion. This role also entails active risk management to enhance business performance and outcomes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and requirements. The Director role will be integral in the development and implementation of PMO processes, policies, and tools, culminating in the definition, development and prioritization of projects and programs. This PMO will be the first of its kind at Clemco, so a true opportunity to place a positive imprint and make an immediate impact within the organization.

Program Management Leadership: Oversees strategic planning, commercial negotiations, proposal estimations, and contracts while providing advice to the General Manager and the company’s leadership team. Directs and collaborates with project managers and field sales partners to cultivate opportunities, supporting the proposal generation process with a focus on the job-to-be-done (JTBD). This includes crafting tailored engineered solutions that provide value propositions aligning with customer needs. Tracks key performance metrics to mitigate risks, improve operational performance, and drive profitability. Delivers accurate and timely project status reports and outcome updates. Develops and maintains strong working relationships with internal functional teams, technical subject matter experts, channel partners, and customers. The Director will be an integral coach and mentor to the project management team.

• Growth Strategy: Provides project estimates and proposals in-line with targeted strategic markets and desired customers. We are seeking an analytical thinker with a pro-active approach, someone who can serve as a strategic thought leader and strategist within the company.
• Process Improvement: Acts as a catalyst for change by questioning conventional norms and by challenging the company to achieve greater performance through a process-first mindset. Inspires others to cultivate critical thinking abilities, enabling them to anticipate opportunities and implement ideas for improvement in a prudent and tactful manner. Adds value by consistently driving productivity improvements across the company, offering insights and recommendations, as needed.
• Distributor Development: Be key driver of developing distributor relationships and fostering learning of Clemco’s Job-To-Be-Done through the Ideation-to-Realization TM process. The Director Program Management will be responsible for working closely with customers and distributors to build systems thinking into the proposal process and developing opportunities with Clemco’s counterparties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Owner:

• Project Management Process
• Establishment PMO
• Contract Negotiations
• Project Scheduling and Resourcing
• Project Costing Tools
• Proposal Formats
• Ensure Clear Job-To-Be-Done (JTBD)
• Drive for Market Price
• Establish and Communicate Value Propositions / Return-on-Investments (ROI)
• Monitor Team Win-Rate
• Measure Project Portfolio Performance

Customer Facing Interactions:

• Written communication with distributors and directly with customers
• Manage meetings with groups of Clemco team members and customer team members
• Expert at the use of technology to communicate (emails, Teams, etc.)
• Travel to customer locations ~20% or less of the time
• Manage face-to-face meetings with customer and support sales in defining the JTBD and
• supporting Clemco’s ideation-to-realization process (I2RTM)
• Must be willing to engage in constructive conflict with customers to arrive at win/win scenarios

Project Management Team Responsibilities:

• Manages two (2) project managers and supporting teams including Clemco cross functional
• representatives and subject matter experts (SMEs) for project success.
• Serves as the leader of Clemco’s Project Management team and be a valued partner with field
• sales to prioritize.
• Operates the opportunity management process to achieve a high win-rate and deliver value
• proposition to the customer.
• Works closely with the other managers to achieve goals in line with One Clemco values.

Leadership and Culture:

• Leads cross functional teams and positively influences business outcomes
• Leads LEAN initiatives within project management and/or contributes on cross-functional events
• Upholds the Clemco values:
• Always keeps customer experience and safety for all people in mind.
• Continually reinforces the care Clemco has for people, reminds others of Clemco’s PQDCG (people, quality, delivery, cost, and growth) priorities
• Fosters an environment that assures Quality is a source of pride for Clemco Protects Clemco people against hazards and safety concerns. Fosters a culture of transparency, open dialogue, and respect.

Job Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technical or business field; MBA preferable but not required
• 10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• 10 years of relevant experience in a Project Management or Product Management role
• Ability to read technical specifications
• Ability to write compelling proposals that clearly outline the value proposition, and work with Contract Administration on negotiation of terms with customer
• Ability to put together strong project plans and schedules that appropriately reflect dynamic changes across the project and product lifecycles
• Ability to proactively manage project estimation, forecasting, and budgeting
• Excellent critical thinking skills. Must solve complex problems by analyzing and collating information from multiple sources.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and influence groups and individuals, both internally and externally using presentations, computer / voice communication, and other communication / media formats
• Excellent grammar and language skills
• Program and Project Management software skills and experience
• PMP Certification, preferred but not required
• Understanding of Clemco/abrasive blasting products, a plus
• Working level of AutoCAD software, a plus

Physical Job Requirements:

• Proficient in engaging with both employees and customers through clear and concise verbal
• communication.
• Skilled in actively listening to the input and feedback of employees and customers, fostering a
• culture of open communication and collaboration.
• Able to work comfortably during extended periods of time in a seated position.
• Demonstrates the ability to swiftly grasp and understand instructions, orientations, and nuances
• related to the job.
• Capable of keeping a high level of concentration and attention on tasks, even during prolonged
• periods.

Workplace Environmental Conditions:

• Typical office environment with office and some manufacturing plant and field exposure
• Occasional Travel (less than 20%) to visit customers, distributors, trade shows, etc.