Role Overview: 

 

As a Engineering Program Manager (EPM), you will play a crucial role in the successful delivery of Hardware and Software programs ranging from small-scale to complex, large-scale engagements. Your experience in Hardware and Software New Product Development (NPI) as EPM, combined with your proficiency in both Waterfall and Agile delivery models, will be pivotal in ensuring the seamless execution of programs while maintaining the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction. As EPM will lead a cross-functional team across multiple functions like HW, SW, Test, PLM, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, System Technology, Technical publications, customer service etc. owning and driving all the deliverables within the NPI Product Life Cycle from concept to production delivery (first revenue shipment). 

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Lead end-to-end program management activities for Hardware and Software programs with a diverse range of complexities, working closely with Product management to define program scope, objectives, and deliverables. Establish and manage cross-functional teams across PLM, HW, SW, Test, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, System Technology, Customer Service, Technical publications to drive deliverables across all the phases in NPI PLC Collaborate with internal and external stake holders to analyze needs and align product roadmap to strategic goals in a traditional waterfall and/ or agile environment. Lead team scrums to define product vision, roadmap, and growth opportunities, and communicate with stakeholders throughout the project Work closely with product managers and business teams to create and maintain product backlog according to business value or ROI Plan and prioritize product development and product feature backlog Assess value, develop cases, and prioritize stories, epics, and themes to ensure work aligns with product strategy Mitigate roadblocks to achieving sprint/release goals Lead the product-release plans and set expectations for delivery of new functionalities Serve as product ambassador internally and externally, sharing knowledge and answering questions Proactively identify and mitigate program risks, managing issues that may arise during program execution. Monitor program progress and ensure that program deliverables are of the highest quality, meeting, or exceeding client expectations. Effectively communicate program status, updates, and potential roadblocks to both internal/ external stakeholders and Management. Leverage your knowledge to provide valuable insights and recommendations during program planning and execution. Mentor and guide junior program managers, contributing to their professional growth and development. Manage multiple programs simultaneously in an aggressive and fast paced work environment

 

 

Qualifications and Skills: 

 

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; master’s degree is a plus. 15+ years of overall experience in a hardware and software new product development environment with 4+ years of Program Management. demonstrated experience in program management. PMP (Program Management Professional) certification / Scrum and Agile certifications is a plus. Must have worked as a Product Owner in an Agile environment Exposure to wide area networking products and automated solutions for Core, Edge and Metro networks is a Must Proficiency in both Agile and Waterfall delivery methodologies. Vast experience in successfully delivering programs and DevOps Programs (CD/CI) is a plus. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills. Proven ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously, balancing priorities effectively. Problem-solving mindset with the ability to adapt to changing program requirements. Leadership capabilities to guide program teams and collaborate with clients. Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality results.

 

Technical/Functional:

 

Scope Assessment and Resolution: Proficiently assesses program scope, identifies gaps in requirements, and efficiently resolves them. Effective Planning: Develops comprehensive work breakdown structures, aids in accurate estimations, validates estimate confidence, and consolidates them into a robust program schedule. Program Finance: Demonstrated track record of effectively managing program budgets and financial resources to ensure successful program delivery. Optimizing Critical Path: Demonstrates the ability to optimize the critical path to enhance program efficiency and timely delivery. Problem Solving and Decision Making: Identifies program-related problems, selects appropriate solutions, and escalates when necessary, ensuring smooth program progression. Risk Management: Recognizes active program risks, vigilantly monitors risk triggers, and executes predefined contingency plans when required. Scope Management: Proficiently manages scope changes, driving discussions about scope versus schedule/budget and reaching conclusive decisions. Resource Negotiation: Skilled in negotiating for necessary resources, be it human capital, budget allocation, or equipment, considering the larger organizational program portfolio. Variance Analysis: Expertly identifies deviations between planned and actual program outcomes across dimensions (scope, schedule, quality, risks), taking corrective actions as needed. Estimation Techniques: Applies various estimation techniques to refine future program planning, improving accuracy and predictability. Proficient Tools Utilization: Demonstrates proficiency in MS Program, as well as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Jira etc. Data Analytics & Automation: Able to contribute and appreciate the need of centralized database - previously executed projects/ program with simple dashboard to pick and choose type of product, complexity, schedule, effort, cost, quality, good practices and pitfalls for future references.

 

 

 Leadership:

 

Applies Business Acumen: Demonstrates a deep understanding of Wide Area Networking Business, able to uncover and articulate the program's business case effectively. Strong Teams Building: Establishes and nurtures a sense of camaraderie and motivation within the program team and amongst the cross functional teams. Stakeholder Relationship: Develops positive working relationships across various stakeholders, fostering collaboration and achieving shared goals. Clear Role Definition: Defines and assigns roles and responsibilities within the program team, ensuring clarity and accountability. Effective Communication: Listens attentively, comprehends, and executes decisions with precision, involving relevant stakeholders for quality outcomes. Decisive Leadership: Takes proactive and assertive steps to make well-informed decisions, considering potential impacts on program outcomes. Influence and Conflict Resolution: Influences and gains consensus in challenging situations, navigating conflicts towards constructive resolutions. Change Management: Initiates and leads change efforts, addressing resistance and setbacks, and fostering an environment of constructive debate. Agile Leadership: Demonstrates proficiency as a Product Owner or Workshop Lead in large-scale programs, facilitating Agile ceremonies, and ensuring adherence to Agile principles.