Program Manager

OFS has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago. We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, fiber gratings and more. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable and components and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees. To do so, we must continue shaping the future of communications by applying the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.

We currently seek a Program Manager to join our division located in Avon, CT, and help support our continued business growth.

This position will be responsible for planning and managing programs for new product development or product revision, process improvements, or other business purposes with cross functional teams based in Avon facility as well as other OFS locations, on time and within budget to meet or exceed the customer's requirements.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Plan new projects and programs, including product development, process development or cost reduction, capital implementation, etc. Prepare gate reviews in collaboration with marketing or business development.

• Manage projects and programs. This includes:

• Leading and documenting cross-functional team activities; from planning through execution. Monitor and manage scope, risk, schedule, cost, and technical performance.

• Plan for and obtain required resources, including prioritizing staffing resources and capital expenditure.

• Act as the program champion and communicate program progress and problems to management.

• Track product and program changes. Focus resources on resolving program issues and eliminating roadblocks when appropriate.

• Maintain documentation of project activities in accordance with quality system procedures.

• Understand and adhere to the internal and external quality system procedures. Provide guidance to the project team on the quality system if needed.

• Support sales and marketing in educating customer(s) and selling new products as needed.

• Collaborate with procurement and engineering to establish program supply chain. Monitor supplier delivery commitments and manage effects on project schedule.

• Identify internal and external customer needs to help align OFS programs with the strategic direction of the business. May include aiding in the negotiation of contracts and contractual changes.

• Preparation of proposals, plans, specifications, and financial conditions of contract.

• Where appropriate, write program CER and manage cost to meet the CER budget.

• Improve the program management process by capturing lessons learned from each program and institutionalizing best practices. Act as an advisor to program team regarding projects, tasks, and operations.

• Resolve conflicts as they arise both within your team and among key stakeholders to keep projects moving forward.

Key qualifications include:

• BS degree in a technical field with 3-7 years in engineering product development or manufacturing; or BS degree in technical field with 1-4 years of project/program management experience (stage/gate product development experience or equivalent product life cycle management).

• Demonstrated leadership to facilitate and motivate a cross functional team.

• Demonstrated ability to plan activities towards a goal in a logical sequence.

• Basic business finance awareness (ability to review a product cost model, ability to understand project cash flow).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Project strongly preferred.

• Prior experience with fiber optic or cabling technology desired, but not required.

• Experience working under ISO 9001, ISO 13485, or AS9100 quality system preferred.

• Experience interfacing with outside customers.

• Excellent attention to detail.

Working at OFS means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement and a matching 401(k) plan.

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.

If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply directly at www.ofsoptics.com/careers.

Please Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted.

OFS, a Georgia based global company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.