Program Manager

About Us:

BW Converting is a strategic alliance of resources and services that bring together several Barry-Wehmiller companies - Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), Winkler + Dunnebier (W+D), STAX Technologies, Hudson-Sharp, Baldwin Technologies and Northern Engraving and Machine. These industry leaders offer trusted brands and innovative technologies in the design, manufacture, and service of high-performance converting and packaging machinery for the tissue, nonwovens, hygiene, bag-converting, mailing, and printing industries.

 

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.

 

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

BW Converting Technologies is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead New Product Development (NPD), Value Add Value Engineered (VAVE) cost-out projects, and enhancements to existing products within our brand portfolios.

In this role, you will lead cross-functional teams through the complete product lifecycle, from initial concept to successful market launch by utilizing a documented Phase-Gate process with a strong emphasis on value engineering and cost optimization.

You will work closely with product management, engineering, supply chain, finance, and marketing teams to create internal project charters and utilize common project management tools and techniques to deliver success to the organization by ensuring projects are delivered within budget, scope, schedule, performance, and quality parameters.

Additionally, you will play a key role in identifying cost-saving opportunities, optimizing processes, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead end-to-end new product development programs for OEM machinery, managing timelines, resources, and deliverables.

• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on product vision and execution.

• Develop comprehensive program plans with clear milestones, dependencies, and critical paths.

• Spearhead value engineering initiatives to optimize product design, materials, and manufacturing processes.

• Drive cost-out strategies throughout the product lifecycle to improve margins while maintaining performance and quality metrics.

• Conduct cost-benefit analyses to evaluate design alternatives and component selection.

• Lead design-to-cost workshops with engineering teams to achieve target cost objectives.

• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities in existing products through redesign and manufacturing process improvements.

• Manage program budgets and resource allocation to optimize return on investment.

• Facilitate risk assessment and mitigation strategies throughout the development process.

• Create and maintain detailed documentation for all program activities and decisions.

• Serve as the primary liaison between stakeholders, providing regular status updates and escalating issues appropriately.

• Drive continuous improvement in program management methodologies specific to OEM machinery development.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related technical degree (required).

• MBA, PMP, or relevant advanced degree (preferred).

• 5 to 7 years of experience in program or project management, product development, cost reduction, or related roles.

• Desired experience:

  • Stage-gate development processes and product lifecycle management

  • Leading complex NPD projects and successful cost-out initiatives

  • Leading cross-functional teams and managing stakeholders to deliver complex OEM products on time and within budget

  • Implementing value engineering and cost-out strategies

  • Manufacturing processes and engineering principles

  • Project management tools and methodologies

  • Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies

  • Industry standards and regulatory requirements within product portfolio

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Expertise in NPD processes and cost-out methodologies. (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, VAVE)

• Excellent communication, documentation, and presentation skills.

• Strong analytical skills and experience with cost analysis, data-driven decision-making, and financial forecasting.

• Proficient in program management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, JIRA, Trello) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

• Leadership and team-building abilities, with a focus on driving collaboration and results.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and manage change effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Key Traits:

• Results-oriented, with a strong drive to deliver measurable business impact.

• Problem-solving mindset, with the ability to identify innovative solutions to complex challenges.

• Ability to prioritize and manage competing demands, balancing strategic objectives with operational constraints.

• High attention to detail and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Opportunity to shape the future of our product lineup and drive innovation

• Collaborative team environment focused on engineering excellence and operational efficiency

• Chance to see your projects transform from concepts to market-ready machines

• Professional development and advancement opportunities

• Competitive compensation and benefits package

If you're passionate about bringing new products and solutions to market, excel at orchestrating complex development programs, and have a proven track record of driving value engineering initiatives, we want to hear from you.

Our culture and commitment to our people is what sets us apart. We foster an environment of mutual respect, integrity, and unconditional interest in the individual and collective success of our BW family members.

#LI-AM1

 

At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work-therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.

 

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.

Company:

BW Converting