Product Development Program Manager - Kerrville, TX (on-site)

JOB SUMMARY:

Oversees the operational and strategic execution of the product development lifecycle, ensuring seamless coordination of diverse projects across cross-functional teams. Leads weekly production meetings and provides daily operational support by aligning priorities, optimizing resources, and eliminating barriers to progress. Drives process improvements and fosters communication to ensure timely and efficient delivery of development initiatives. Acts as a key liaison with internal and external stakeholders to define program scope, manage expectations, and ensure alignment with business goals.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

*Strategically manages 200+ active projects in development through all phases and processes, ensuring alignment with departmental goals, timelines, and resource availability.

*Leads operational planning by analyzing capacity, forecasting workload, and allocating resources to optimize throughput and minimize bottlenecks.

*Collaborates with Product Development and Design team members to develop and prioritize a strategic roadmap of department programs and initiatives. Presents program scope, timelines, and resource plans to internal teams and cross-functional stakeholders; negotiate deadlines and deliverables based on evolving business needs and operational constraints. Continuously evaluates and adjusts priorities in response to shifting demands, ensuring efficient use of personnel, tools, and time.

*Resolves operational challenges involving multiple variables and stakeholders, applying structured problem-solving and decision-making frameworks.

*Chairs cross-functional team communications to identify, assess, and escalate risks associated with the new product portfolio; ensures alignment and transparency across departments to support timely decision-making and risk mitigation.

*Responsible for the overall leadership, direction and evaluation of Associates to include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; coaching and feedback; and addressing grievances and resolving issues.

*Continuously evaluates and adjusts priorities in response to shifting demands, ensuring efficient use of personnel, tools, and time.

*Resolves operational challenges involving multiple variables and stakeholders, applying structured problem-solving and decision-making frameworks.

*Performs additional duties and assists with other initiatives or projects as assigned by Leadership.

WHAT IS REQUIRED:

*Bachelor's Degree in Project Management or related field; or equivalent combination of education/experience.

*5 years' experience as a Project Manager in a corporate, product development, manufacturing environment or similar work.

*Supervisory, managerial or leadership experience.

*Strategic analytical skills in capacity planning and resource utilization to provide finite logic and prioritization of department projects.

*Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.

*Effective organizational skills, with ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and successfully meet strict deadlines.

*Advanced proficiency in Project Management Software and Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).

*Ability to work extended evening and/or weekend hours as business need requires during peak periods.

*Ability to travel to various work locations as business need requires.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

*Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

*Solid understanding of product development and/or manufacturing technologies and processes.

*Experience in product development and/or manufacturing in a jewelry or similar industry.

*Experience with Smartsheet.