Program Manager

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Program Manager for an opportunity with one of our premier clients in Neenah, WI.

Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to assume immediate leadership of a high-profile Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Replacement Program . This role requires a hands-on project leader who can quickly assess the current state of the program, establish control, and drive execution across multiple workstreams, vendors, and geographically dispersed teams.
The ideal candidate has successfully taken over complex enterprise technology implementations that are already in progress, thrives in fast-paced environments, and is comfortable balancing executive communication with detailed project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Assume immediate day-to-day leadership and management of the enterprise MES Replacement Program.
• Serve as the primary coordinator between business stakeholders, technical teams, vendors, and executive sponsors.
• Drive project execution by managing schedules, milestones, deliverables, risks, dependencies, and issue resolution.
• Coordinate activities across multiple regional and global teams while ensuring alignment on priorities and timelines.
• Manage external system integrators, software vendors, and consulting partners, holding them accountable for project commitments and deliverables.
• Execute program priorities established by executive leadership with urgency and accuracy.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, status reports, RAID logs, executive dashboards, and governance documentation.
• Facilitate steering committee meetings, project reviews, status meetings, and stakeholder communications.
• Identify organizational, process, or governance gaps resulting from previous project leadership and implement immediate corrective actions.
• Proactively escalate risks, resolve blockers, and ensure decisions are made quickly to maintain project momentum.
• Support change management activities and ensure effective communication throughout the organization.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration between Operations, Manufacturing, IT, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and external implementation partners.
• Maintain strict focus on project scope, budget, schedule, quality, and overall program health.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of Project or Program Management experience leading large-scale enterprise technology initiatives.
• Demonstrated success taking over projects that are already in-flight, behind schedule, or operationally challenged.
• Experience leading Manufacturing Execution System (MES) implementations or replacements strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of enterprise software implementation methodologies and project governance.
• Proven experience managing multiple vendors, consulting firms, and third-party implementation partners.
• Experience coordinating global project teams across multiple time zones and geographic regions.
• Excellent organizational, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to rapidly establish structure, prioritize work, and execute under pressure.
• Comfortable performing both strategic leadership responsibilities and detailed project administration.
• Experience creating executive-level reporting, project dashboards, risk registers, action logs, and status communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience implementing or upgrading MES platforms such as Siemens Opcenter , Rockwell FactoryTalk ProductionCentre , GE Digital Proficy , Apriso , or similar manufacturing solutions.
• Manufacturing industry experience in consumer products, paper products, industrial manufacturing, or process manufacturing.
• Experience with ERP integrations involving systems
• Familiarity with Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid project delivery methodologies.
• PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification.

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at .

SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.