Cook Group

Overview

The primary function of a program manager is to work with relevant stakeholders including functions and management to assess, document and deliver business needs to align overall organizational goals and objectives. Primary responsibilities include simplifying complicated processes, building functional efficiency, and identifying potential strategic solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide a single point of contact for all aspects of the assigned program and projects, interacting as necessary with team members and stakeholders at all levels of management.
• Work with key stakeholders and cross-functional teams to define full program scope and lead operational planning, aligning expectations and promoting collaboration throughout the program lifecycle.
• Directing, planning, organizing, and coordinating with team members in cross functional settings.
• Develop a comprehensive program plan that outlines goals, objectives, timelines, milestones, and resource requirements.
• Ensure that program deliverables are achieved on or ahead of schedule, within budget, and with quality that meets or exceeds business needs, allocating human, financial, and material resources accordingly and updating stakeholders as needed.
• Ensure that the day-to-day activities for assigned program are executed in line with guidance, and in compliance with relevant global policies, standards, guidelines, and operating procedures.
• Must identify and deliver on specific savings objectives and other annual objectives as defined.
• Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, including contingency plans and risk response strategies, to minimize disruptions to program progress.
• Identify and address issues and challenges that may arise during program execution, including conflicts, resource constraints, and technical obstacles, to keep the program on track and minimize impacts on outcomes.
• Manage changes to program scope, requirements, and objectives by assessing impacts, obtaining necessary approvals, and updating program plans and documentation as needed to accommodate changes while minimizing disruptions.
• Lead program closure by ensuring that all deliverables are completed, conducting post-implementation reviews and evaluations to assess program effectiveness and identify lessons learned for future improvement.
• May support contracting activities; review master agreements, statements of work, change orders, or similar documents.
• Control stage-gate process for R&D and Procurement activities and utilize escalation process when needed.
• Manage external Supplier relationships and collaborate with Suppliers and Management globally and locally.
• Collaborate with Category Management to ensure category strategies are being followed in terms of strategic Supplier selection.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in related field (MBA preferred) or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum 10 years of prior relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in procurement.
• Must be knowledgeable of procurement systems, tools, policies, and procedures.
• Proficient with computer software and applications e.g. Microsoft Suite, including program management tools.
• Proven ability to drive large scale projects with high collaboration and leadership experience.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and manage project plans in accordance to meet deadlines.