Program Manager

About Us

BW Converting Solutions is a strategic alliance of resources and services that bring together several Barry-Wehmiller companies — Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), Winkler + Dünnebier (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.

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.

• 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.

• 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…