Program Manager

About the role

Last date to apply: We are continuously accepting applications

The Program Manager is an individual contributor role responsible for leading cross-functional supply chain, distribution and network programs across North America, each containing several related projects, and ensuring the successful outcome of all projects within those programs. These programs include distribution network realignment, 3PL transitions, and logistics cost initiatives. The role has no direct reports and drives results through influence, coordinating internal project owners, cross-functional teams and external partners toward defined and agreed results.

What You Need to Know

• Lead cross-functional supply chain and network programs end to end, managing planning, control, status reporting and delivery of all related projects to time, cost and quality.
• Coordinate projects and workstreams within each program, including those led by other functions and external partners, managing dependencies and sequencing to ensure program success.
• Lead cross-functional and partner teams without direct authority, securing resource commitments, setting clear expectations and holding team members accountable for deliverables.
• Develop and maintain RACI charts for owned programs and projects.
• Lead distribution network programs, including site realignment, center-of-gravity and network modelling to support footprint decisions.
• Lead requests for proposal (RFPs), evaluations and scorecards for 3PL and logistics service providers.
• Build business cases, Investment Requests (IRs) and total-cost analyses (warehousing, transportation, landed cost) to support leadership decisions.
• Prepare clear, decision-ready materials for the Executive Leadership Team, Logistics Board and Board of Directors, including option comparisons and recommendations.
• Own program and project budgets, including annual budget development, weekly schedule and cost updates, and regular financial reviews with Finance.
• Manage scope, change requests and risk, proactively identifying issues and developing mitigation plans across business functions.
• Run program governance, including steering team meetings, stage-gate adherence and executive scorecards for each owned program.
• Communicate progress, risks and issues to stakeholders and decision bodies early and clearly.
• Drive continuous improvement by facilitating lessons learned, standardizing program management tools and methods, and sharing best practices across the organization.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or a related field and a minimum of ten (7+) years of professional project or program management experience in supply chain, logistics, distribution or operations.
• Experience and track record in project planning to include: planning project budgets and all projects' financials as well as the permanent monitoring of project costs and product costs; establishing realistic project timelines; creating Work Breakdown Structures; stakeholder management; and risk management and mitigation.
• Experience leading distribution network, warehousing, 3PL, transportation, ideally for outdoor power equipment, consumer goods or durable goods.
• Experience leading multi-cultural, cross-functional hybrid teams and external partners without direct reporting authority.
• Professional project management certification (e.g. PMP) preferred.
• Experience with a stage gate project planning.
• Experience with change management preferred.
• Experience with lease analysis, RFP/vendor selection and contract or rate negotiations preferred.

Project Management

• Demonstrated ability to effectively influence without direct authority.
• Knowledge of project management process and techniques, along with a demonstrated ability to identify process gaps, understand project priorities, set clear goals and targets, and independently lead projects and produce positive results.
• Ability to effectively manage issues at the project and program level and proactively identify when issues may turn into a risk and need to be escalated to the Steering Team.
• Monitor geopolitical risks impacting current and upcoming programs and projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage several types of complex projects concurrently.

Technical

• Knowledge of phase gate development process and detailed understanding of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and developing project critical path.
• Advanced proficiency level with MS Office software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project).
• Experience with network modelling, center-of-gravity analysis and logistics cost modelling; familiarity with WMS/TMS an asset.
• Ability to create dashboards and report project status and data to management concisely.
• Familiarity with Husqvarna business systems and ways of working.

General

• Excellent time management and follow-up skills.
• Detail-oriented and demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to professionally represent the project status to Steering Team
• Strong initiative and ability to be self-directed in completing tasks and function with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and adaptive to internal processes and change, delays or unexpected events.
• Ability to travel up to 10% to domestic and/or international sites.
• Ability and willingness to work extended hours when needed to support alternate time zones and critical deadlines.