Description

The Program Manager / Project Integrator is responsible for leading the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of new manufacturing and distribution facility projects. This role provides cross-functional leadership to ensure that site design, construction, equipment installation, regulatory compliance, permitting, IT, operational readiness, and go-live activities are delivered on time, on budget, and to specification. The Program Manager acts as the central integrator across engineering, operations, supply chain, IT, EH&S, quality, finance, and external partners to ensure seamless project delivery.

Program Leadership & Integration

Lead the full lifecycle of new plant programs from initial concept through commissioning, startup, and stabilization.
Develop and maintain the master integrated project plan, ensuring alignment among construction, equipment procurement, process engineering, operations, and distribution workstreams.
Serve as the primary point of accountability for program scope, schedule, budget, risks, and communication.
Ensure cross-functional teams are coordinated, informed, and operating against common goals and critical path activities.

Project Planning & Execution

Define project milestones, success metrics, and key performance indicators for project completion and GO LIVE.
Coordinate permitting, environmental compliance, and regulatory start-up requirements.
Oversee plant layout development, including material flow, automation design, warehousing strategy, and production line configuration, etc.
Establish and manage budget tracking, cost forecasts, and change control processes.
Establish business meeting rhythms with cross functional teams to review schedule progress metrics, discuss issues and risks and develop recovery plans where necessary Stakeholder & Partner Management
Lead communication across executive leadership. Facilitate as necessary vendors, contractors, and internal teams’ communications.
Facilitate relationships with architects, general contractors, systems integrators, OEMs, and logistics partners.
Ensure alignment between corporate strategy, operations leadership, and site-level execution teams.

Operational Readiness

Coordinate the ramp-up plan including hiring, training, equipment commissioning, validation, quality system deployment, and safety protocols.
Drive readiness for manufacturing, warehousing, shipping, receiving, and inventory management processes.
Lead risk identification, mitigation planning, and recovery strategies.
Support the development of SOPs, work instructions, and maintenance plans as the facility prepares for GO LIVE.

Continuous Improvement

Apply lean manufacturing and project management best practices to improve project timelines, cost performance, and plant efficiency.
Conduct post-project reviews and implement lessons learned for future ops major project upgrades or expansions.

Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or related field (master’s preferred).

· 10+ years of large-scale project or program management experience, preferably in manufacturing, logistics, or facility expansion.

· Proven track record of managing new plant construction, equipment installations, or distribution center launches.

· Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, material flow, automation, and supply chain operations.

· Excellent structured problem-solving skills and experience.

· Experience leading cross-functional teams and working with senior leaders, contractors, and engineers.

· Proficiency with project management tools and ability to learn new ones as necessary (i.e. MS Project, Planview, etc.).

· Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation and communication skills.

· Willing to travel 10-20% depending on project

· PMP, Lean Six Sigma, Toyota Production Systems or similar training or certifications.

· Experience with automated distribution systems, WMS/WCS/WES, MES, or advanced manufacturing technologies.

· Highly organized integrator who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments.

· Able to translate strategy into structured, executable project plans.

· Strong influencer who builds trust and alignment across diverse teams.

· Problem-solver with an operational mindset and a passion for plant startups.

COMPANY BENEFITS

· Competitive Compensation

· Generous Paid Time Off

· 10 Paid Holidays

· Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

· Biannual Bonus Program

· 401k with Company Match

· Company Paid Life Insurance

· Annual Reviews and Merit Based Raises

· Room for Advancement and Career Growth

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Schluter Systems is a family-owned and internationally renowned company that has been rapidly growing over the last 10 years. The Schluter brand is backed by a team of people working together to create a line of innovative products that provide solutions to the tile industry. We’re looking to build our team with individuals who like to think BIG and want to be part of what makes our products extraordinary. We are a company that treats its employees, suppliers, and customers as long-term partners. Where success is built on a win-win philosophy and everyone should benefit.

"Profit is not the goal of the business. Profit is the consequence of a job well done" Werner Schluter, Founder

Are you interested in a truly unique and special company? Hear from our employees on what it means to be part of the Schluter family: http://www.schluter.com/careers . Then if you’re ready to see life in Orange, talk to us about this career opportunity at Schluter Systems.

This pay range reflects the base hourly rate or annual salary for positions in this job grade, with the final offer depending on factors like experience, education, location, and other relevant considerations. Additionally, this role qualifies for extra benefits beyond the base pay range mentioned.

At Schluter Systems, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diverse perspectives and ensures all individuals are valued and supported, without discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our commitment to equal opportunity extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, and transfers. All employment decisions at Schluter Systems L.P. are based solely on merit, qualifications, and business needs.

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