Program Exec, Strategic Accounts

The Program Executive serves as the senior-most delivery leader and primary customer-facing executive for one of FORTNA's most strategic, high-value accounts (>$100M). This role operates as the "enterprise-level project manager" and trusted advisor to the customer, accountable for the successful execution of multiple, concurrent automation programs across various U.S. sites. This individual must thrive in a fast-paced, high-demand customer environment, balancing executive stakeholder engagement, multi-site coordination, and internal team leadership to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery. The Program Executive is ultimately responsible for aligning customer expectations with operational execution while driving accountability, communication, and results across all workstreams. This is a remote role with significant travel required based on customer and project needs. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: Customer Leadership & Relationship Management • Serve as the primary point of contact and executive sponsor for a critical, high-demand customer. • Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior customer stakeholders, ensuring alignment on priorities, expectations, and outcomes. • Act as the voice of the customer internally while maintaining appropriate boundaries, accountability, and execution discipline. • Lead regular executive-level communication, including program updates, issue resolution, and performance reviews. • Drive program and account financial performance through disciplined forecasting, margin management, risk mitigation, and change management practices. Program Oversight & Multi-Site Delivery • Own end-to-end execution of multiple simultaneous automation implementations across geographically dispersed sites. • Coordinate across site leaders, project managers, and functional teams to ensure consistent execution, communication, and performance. • Manage program scope, budget, timelines, risks, and contractual obligations across all workstreams. • Anticipate and proactively address operational and customer challenges in a complex, high-visibility environment. • Ensure successful delivery of solutions including MHE, robotics, WCS/WMS, and integrated software systems. Cross-Functional Leadership • Provide functional leadership to a matrixed team of project managers, engineers, consultants, and operations leaders across multiple locations. • Set clear priorities, expectations, and accountability across teams while fostering collaboration and alignment. • Mentor and develop team members, ensuring strong leadership capability at the site and project level. • Drive a culture of ownership, urgency, transparency, and continuous improvement. Strategic Execution & Operational Excellence • Align program execution with both customer business objectives and FORTNA strategic goals. • Partner with Sales, Engineering, and Delivery teams to ensure seamless transition from solution design through implementation. • Lead risk mitigation planning and decision-making across complex program dependencies. • Drive value engineering, cost optimization, and performance improvements without compromising quality or outcomes. • Provide thought leadership in supply chain automation and large-scale implementation best practices. Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: • Demonstrated executive-level program management experience leading large, complex, multi-site initiatives. • Exceptional ability to operate as a customer-facing leader in high-pressure, high-demand environments. • Proven success managing multiple concurrent projects and distributed teams. • Advanced business acumen with strong financial and budget management capabilities across programs. • Expert-level communication skills, including executive presentations and stakeholder management. • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive decisions. • Experience leading matrixed organizations and influencing without direct authority. • Highly proficient in project management tools and Microsoft Office Suite. Education and Experience: • Bachelor's or Master's degree (or international equivalent) • 10+ years of experience in program management, project delivery, or supply chain/automation leadership • Experience managing large-scale automation, material handling, or supply chain transformation programs preferred • PMP® certification preferred Physical Requirements: Travel to sites will require time in operational/construction environments and use of PPE as required. This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.