Program Manager

Program Manager

Cincinnati, Ohio

HYBRID ROLE

12 month contract, possibility of extension

Not available for C2C's

The Program Manager will be responsible for the development, management and execution of Traceability and company's initiatives. This is a mid-to-senior, business-side Program Manager role focused on driving execution and adoption for the FSMA 204 / Traceability rollout. This role will lead and guide cross-functional teams and apply project management principles and frameworks to drive deliverables, track progress, and provide insights.

This role will partner closely with an existing IT Program Manager supporting Traceability. The business organization is expected to lean in to ensure alignment on processes, approach, key players, governance, guidelines, and business ownership. This role will work with the program Steering Committee to facilitate decision-making and drive alignment across business units; final decisions will be made by the business stakeholders and designated business owners.

• 5 years of experience in program management
• Exceptional troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Strong leadership and communication abilities, both written and oral
• Capacity to present information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Proficiency in stakeholder management and conflict resolution
• Demonstrated skills in risk management
• Business acumen with a deep understanding of business principles and practices
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team
• Adaptable to change and quick to learn new concepts and technologies

• Experience with the federal government regulation Food Safety Modernization Act
• Understanding of retail supply chain, supplier engagement, food chain. Traceability not required but would be good to have.

• Lead the operational track of the FSMA 204 program from planning through implementation
• Coordinate across Distribution, Store Operations, Fulfillment, Merchandising, and Supplier Relations
• Manage site rollout waves, training schedules, readiness checklists, and playbook distribution
• Develop and manage program plans with cross functional leaders in partnership with the KTD program management lead
• Serve as the business-side Program Manager to support business alignment on process and approach, in partnership with the IT Program Manager supporting Traceability
• Identify key stakeholders and business owners, and support the establishment of business governance and guidelines needed for consistent execution across impacted business units
• Manage stakeholders and communications
• Define program goals, objectives, scope, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders
• Create detailed program plan templates, including budgets, resource allocation, and risk assessment
• Monitor and update program plans to adapt to changing circumstances and ensure alignment with organizational objectives
• Identify and engage with stakeholders at all levels, understanding their needs, expectations, and concerns
• Develop and implement effective communication plans to keep stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the program
• Facilitate Steering Committee alignment by surfacing decisions, recommendations, risks, and tradeoffs; ensure decision paths and business approvals are documented and tracked
• Manage stakeholder expectations, resolving conflicts, and ensuring alignment with program goals
• Track program progress against established milestones, schedules, and budgets
• Identify and address issues and obstacles that may hinder program success, implementing timely solutions
• Prepare and deliver clear and concise progress reports to stakeholders, highlighting achievements and challenges
• Develop and maintain comprehensive program documentation, including the program plan, schedule, budget, and risk register
• Ensure that documentation is up-to-date, accurate, and easily accessible to all stakeholders
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and transparency through well-maintained documentation
• Report on program progress and performance to stakeholders
• Prepare and deliver regular status reports to stakeholders, providing insights into program progress and achievements
• Communicate effectively, tailoring messages to different audiences to ensure understanding and alignment
• Highlight how program activities contribute to broader organizational goals