Program Manager

The NPD Program Manager serves as the primary operational liaison between Monterrey manufacturing operations and Paragon engineering for the launch of the new product line. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing Monterrey-specific NPD activities related to this customer launch and to ensure alignment with the overall timeline.Acting as a cross-functional program manager, this individual oversees schedules, pilot and pre-pilot production readiness, materials coordination, testing support, and communication across engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain. The role is highly collaborative, detail-oriented, and critical to ensuring new products transition smoothly from development into manufacturing.This position does not directly manage people but drives results through influence, coordination, and strong execution.Key ResponsibilitiesNPD Program ManagementDevelop, maintain, and manage Monterrey-specific NPD schedules while remaining compliant with the overall Tampa roadmap for customersTrack milestones, dependencies, and deliverables to ensure on-time execution of pre-pilot and pilot activitiesProactively identify schedule risks and coordinate mitigation plansManufacturing & Operations CoordinationCoordinate pre-pilot and pilot production runs with Monterrey planning and value stream managersManage sample builds and ensure production readiness for testing and validation activitiesSupport smooth handoff from pilot builds to ongoing production readinessMaterials & Supply Chain AlignmentPartner with Monterrey purchasing to ensure timely and accurate procurement of materials for product buildsMonitor material availability and resolve constraints that could impact schedules or testingQuality & ComplianceCoordinate quality assurance activities to ensure compliance with Whirlpool, Paragon, and internal manufacturing standardsSupport quality reviews and corrective actions identified during pilot and pre-pilot runsTesting & Validation SupportCoordinate lab capacity, equipment availability, and testing schedules to support product requirementsEnsure samples, documentation, and data are available to support validation timelinesCross-Functional CommunicationServe as the primary point of contact between Monterrey operations and Paragon engineering for assigned programsFacilitate regular cross-functional updates, ensuring alignment across engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teamsDocumentation & ReportingMaintain detailed records of schedules, testing status, material readiness, and program risksProvide regular status updates to stakeholders, highlighting progress, issues, and mitigation plansRisk Management & Continuous ImprovementIdentify risks related to scheduling, materials, testing, and executionRecommend process improvements based on pilot run learnings to improve future NPD executionPreferred Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field5+ years of experience in program management, NPD, manufacturing operations, or a related roleExperience coordinating cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environmentStrong understanding of pilot and pre-pilot manufacturing processesExperience working with quality systems and regulated customer requirements preferredKey Skills & CompetenciesProgram and project managementCross-functional influence without direct authorityStrong organizational and scheduling skillsClear, concise communication across technical and non-technical teamsRisk identification and mitigationDetail-oriented with the ability to see the broader system impactComfortable operating in a fast-paced, matrixed environment