Position PurposeThe Program Manager leads customer programs across the full product lifecycle, from New Product Introduction (NPI) through serial production. This role owns customer relationships and commercial performance, ensuring delivery excellence across time, cost, quality, and profitability objectives. The Program Manager serves as the primary voice of the customer internally and leads cross-functional teams to successfully execute complex, multi-project programs aligned with Vaupell's strategic priorities.
Essential Duties and responsibilities- Own customer program accounts with full lifecycle, commercial, and contractual responsibility.
- Negotiate and execute long-term customer agreements.
- Drive customer satisfaction, account growth, and strategic partnerships.
- Lead multi-project, cross-functional teams during NPI and serial production.
- Ensure ramp-up readiness for delivery, quality, and cost performance.
- Manage program-level risks, opportunities, changes, and claims.
- Deliver programs within agreed scope, budget, timelines, and quality targets Drive continuous improvement initiatives on serial programs (e.g., forecasting optimization, design-to-cost).
- Contribute to or lead new business activities including costing, pricing, and contract negotiations.
- Coordinate and present regular program and business updates to leadership.
- Act as deputy to the Business Director when required.
- Travel to customers and suppliers as needed (Europe, Asia, and U.S.).
- Lead by example with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
- Responsible for following all established Vaupell policies, standard operating procedures and safety practices.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications/Requirements- Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or business management, or equivalent relevant experience.
- 5+ years of experience leading program and/or project management activities, preferably in a regulated manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-project programs across the full product lifecycle.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including experience with costing, pricing, budgeting, and profitability management.
- Proven experience managing customer and supplier relationships and negotiating agreements.
- Ability to drive value creation, cost reduction, and continuous business improvement. initiatives Experience leading cross-functional, multicultural teams and influencing without direct authority.
- Knowledge of Vaupell markets, products, and operations or similar industry experience
- PMP or equivalent project management certification preferred.
- Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required (Europe, Asia, and U.S.).
- Ability to read, speak, understand and follow instructions in English.
- Must be able to wear and properly use required personal protective equipment.
Candidates must be a "US Person" (i.e. US Citizen or Permanent Resident) to ensure Vaupell's compliance with ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and EAR (Export Administration Regulations)
Environmental ConditionWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and vibrations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to occasionally loud. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical RequirementsRequired physical skills and abilities (see below)
- A = 20% or less of work time
- B= 20 to 60% of work time
- C = 60% or more of work time`
- Blank = Not applicable
Standing
C
Bending at waist
B
Walking
C
Reaching below shoulder level
B
Sitting
A
Reaching above shoulder level
B
Lifting under 25 lbs.
B
Grasping
C
Lifting 25 to 50 lbs.
A
Handling
C
Lifting over 50 lbs.
Finger Dexterity
C
Carrying under 25 lbs.
B
Feeling
C
Carrying 25 to 50 lbs.
A
Eye-Hand coordination
C
Carrying over 50 lbs.
Eye-Hand-Foot coordination
B
