The Senior Program Manager is accountable for the end-to-end execution of New Product Introductions (NPIs), from concept handoff through mass-production readiness and launch. This role serves as the operational owner of complex, cross-functional product programs and acts as the primary execution partner to Product Management and Purchasing.
The company is the brand owner and specification holder for all branded products. The Senior Program Manager ensures that approved manufacturing partners execute against product specifications, quality standards, compliance requirements, cost targets, and launch timelines. Unlike administrative project coordination roles, this position owns delivery outcomes, drives decision-making, manages risk, and leads cross-functional teams through structured stage-gate milestones.
This role is based in the Philippines and operates in close collaboration with Product Management, Purchasing, Supplier Quality, Compliance, Factory Partners, Sales, and Marketing teams across global time zones.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Own end-to-end NPI execution across multiple product categories
- Translate product requirements and PRDs into executable program plans (scope, schedule, milestones, dependencies, resources)
- Lead stage-gate reviews (concept freeze, EVT/DVT/PVT, pilot build, mass production approval)
- Align supplier selection, tooling readiness, cost targets, MOQs, and production schedules with Purchasing
- Ensure manufacturing partners comply with specifications, quality, regulatory, and packaging requirements
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Act as single-threaded owner for program delivery across all stakeholders
- Drive accountability across internal teams and external partners without direct authority
- Facilitate decision-making, trade-offs, and escalation of risks or blockers
Risk, Issue, and Change Management
- Develop and maintain program schedules, dashboards, and KPIs (timeline, cost, readiness, risk)
- Provide clear status updates, including risks, decisions needed, and progress
- Drive continuous improvement in NPI processes, tools, and templates
Program Governance and Communication
- Maintain program tracking systems and reporting structures
- Ensure consistent and effective stakeholder communication
- Improve governance processes to enhance execution and visibility
Portfolio Contribution
- Manage multiple concurrent NPI programs with varying complexity
- Mentor and guide Project Coordinators while retaining ownership of outcomes
Management Responsibilities: Project Coordinators
Direction and Work Assignment
- Ensure accurate, timely, and complete project data across systems
- Set standards for data accuracy, naming conventions, version control, and updates
- Review timelines, RAID logs, trackers, and reports for quality and usability
Process and Tool Compliance
- Enforce use of NPI processes, stage-gate requirements, and tools
- Ensure readiness for stage-gate reviews (documentation, inputs, approvals)
- Identify and improve inefficient workflows and tools
Coaching and Development
- Coach on project management fundamentals and documentation discipline
- Provide feedback on prioritization, judgment, and execution
- Develop coordinators while maintaining clear role boundaries
Quality Control and Escalation
- Ensure accuracy and quality of reporting to stakeholders
- Validate risks, issues, and dependencies before escalation
- Address misalignment and incomplete information proactively
Role Boundary Enforcement
- Maintain clear separation between Program Manager ownership and Coordinator support
- Prevent coordinators from making delivery commitments or program decisions
- Reinforce accountability for scope, schedule, cost, quality, and launch readiness
Skills And Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Program Management, Business Management, or related field
- Proven success managing complex, cross-functional NPI programs
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing, supplier management, tooling, and production readiness
- Experience with private-label or specification-owned product models
- Ability to manage multiple programs in fast-paced environments
- Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Experience working with geographically distributed teams
- Knowledge of project evaluation and change management principles
Experience
- Minimum 7 years in program management, product operations, or NPI leadership
- Experience in consumer electronics or similar hardware-driven industries preferred
Technical Skills
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proficiency in MS Office; familiarity with tools like Asana, MS Project, etc.
- Strong attention to detail with ability to balance strategy and execution
- Ability to perform intermediate mathematical calculations
- Strong meeting management and organizational skills
Work Environment
- Ability to work under shifting priorities and tight deadlines
- Capable of maintaining performance in fast-paced, high-demand environments
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision
Compliance
- Adhere to company safety, security, and privacy policies
- Support protection of business operations and intellectual property
- Maintain high ethical and professional standards in all business activities
