Senior Project Manager - Contract

Position: Project Manager III , Req# CRNGJP00029805

Location: Fairport, NY (100% onsite)

Duration: 12+ months c ontract with high possibilities of extension. One-year anticipated assignment, possibility of extension based on demand.

Schedule: Full-time, M-F, 8 am-5 pm. Some OT is possible based on project need (approval required).

ITAR Compliant Required - Candidates must be compliant with ITAR requirements and be US citizens or nationals.

Interview Process: Two rounds - first-round phone screen, second-round panel interview with case study.

Travel: Up to 10% domestic travel to sites based on project need. Will be provided with advanced notice. Travel duration up to a week at a time.

Job Description:

Scope of Position:

• Senior project manager to support various projects for the client's Advanced Optics (AO) division.
• Responsible for leading technical teams and working with internal and/or external customers to define and execute programs and meet customer needs.
• Defines and executes overall program plans, including project schedules, budgets, and people resource needs, to enable programs to scale appropriately in each stage to meet technical, schedule, and cost targets.
• Drives progress from initiation through delivery, reconfirming each program's value proposition at each stage, and recommending the progression (or elimination) of programs at each stage to leadership, as appropriate.
• Constantly monitors for changes in customer requirements/scope or other assumptions and determines the impact on program strategy, business case, business model, predicted level of risk, resource requirements, speed, and value proposition.
• Works with customers during each stage to keep them engaged, to manage the scope of programs, and to interpret their perception of the product being developed.
• Sets key program messages and manages the information flow related to program direction, issues, needs, and progress with key program constituencies including business leadership, corporate leadership, customers, and team members.
• Develops and manages a compelling business case (including P&L and balance sheet implications) and value proposition for the product relative to the division's strategy, market needs, and competition.
• Identifies commercial, technical, and manufacturing levers to improve the program's business case.
• Oversees product testing and evaluation to confirm the initial value proposition, build a fundamental understanding of the technology that enables continued differentiation, and ensure manufacturing implementation of requirements are met.
• Identifies potential origins of strategic control and ensures that intellectual property is protected.
• Utilizes the client's Tollgate process to direct program activities.

Education and Experience:

• BS in Engineering - Optical, Mechanical or related field (or experience in optics) (preferred), Associate's Degree with significant relevant experience (minimum).
• 5-7+ years with a proven record of executing technical programs

Required Skills:

Project management/leadership

• Ability to lead technical teams in the resolution of problems and execution of strategy
• Ability to interact with customers, building strong relationships for success

Ability to work cross functionally (commercial, technical, technology)

• Able to track and manage program spending, revenue, resources & schedule

Proficient use of Microsoft Office Tools (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project)

• Able to set project direction using project management tools (i.e., MS Project, risk assessment, scope management, etc.)

Able to make sound decisions by blending analytical thinking with practical judgment

• Ability to discern technical approaches by asking the right questions of the team
• Strong formal and informal communication skills
• Ability to articulate clear direction, risks and program purpose across multiple organizational levels (management to project team)
• Able to define, prioritize & defend milestones
• Applies appropriate process discipline/process controls, including modeling the appropriate behaviors to their teams

Desired Skills:

• MS degree or higher in optics
• Ability to assist in the organization of systems for program management
• Familiarity with the client's innovation process
• Knowledge and experience working with the S&T organization or other research groups
• Experience with Stage 3 to Stage 5 transfer to manufacturing
• Experience with SAP/manufacturing environment

Soft Skills (Communication/Team/Leadership):

• Ability to articulate clear direction and program purpose
• Entrepreneurial attitude and approach toward the creation of new programs
• Creative problem solver
• Desire to create products and processes that grow the AO platform
• Process discipline oriented. Follows established protocols and processes. Evaluates opportunities for improvements.
• Organized, rigorous attention to detail. Self-starter/motivated
• Experience leading internal or external technical teams in the creation of new products or services. Demonstrated ability to work with customers is a strong advantage.

Key Responsibilities:

• Senior project manager to support various projects for the client's Advanced Optics (AO) division.
• Responsible for leading technical teams and working with internal and/or external customers to define and execute programs and meet customer needs.
• Defines and executes overall program plans, including project schedules, budgets, and people resource needs, to enable programs to scale appropriately in each stage to meet technical, schedule, and cost targets.
• Drives progress from initiation through delivery, reconfirming each program's value proposition at each stage, and recommending the progression (or elimination) of programs at each stage to leadership, as appropriate.
• Constantly monitors for changes in customer requirements/scope or other assumptions and determines the impact on program strategy, business case, business model, predicted level of risk, resource requirements, speed, and value proposition.
• Works with customers during each stage to keep them engaged, to manage the scope of programs, and to interpret their perception of the product being developed.
• Sets key program messages and manages the information flow related to program direction, issues, needs, and progress with key program constituencies including business leadership, corporate leadership, customers, and team members.
• Develops and manages a compelling business case (including P&L and balance sheet implications) and value proposition for the product relative to the division's strategy, market needs, and competition.
• Identifies commercial, technical, and manufacturing levers to improve the program's business case.
• Oversees product testing and evaluation to confirm the initial value proposition, build a fundamental understanding of the technology that enables continued differentiation, and ensure manufacturing implementation of requirements are met.
• Identifies potential origins of strategic control and ensures that intellectual property is protected.
• Utilizes The client's Tollgate process to direct program activities.

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