Global Program Manager

Role Summary

The Global Program Manager at Silgan Dispensing Systems is responsible for leading complex, cross-functional programs from concept through commercialization across our global manufacturing network

This role connects customers, commercial teams, engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain into ONE aligned execution engine-ensuring that new platforms, value streams, and strategic customer initiatives launch on time, at the right cost, and with out-of-the-box quality and performance.

You will act as the single point of accountability for defined global programs, driving clarity, structure, and urgency while building strong relationships with both internal teams and key customers.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Execution

Own end-to-end delivery of assigned global programs (e.g., new product introductions, platform launches, large transfers, strategic value-stream builds).
Define and maintain integrated program charters, timelines, milestones, and risk registers across regions and functions.
Lead regular program cadence (core team meetings, gate reviews, exec updates) with clear actions, owners, and decision requests.
Ensure robust project documentation: RACI matrices, decision logs, change histories, and program dashboards.

Cross-Functional & Global Alignment

Coordinate closely with Product Engineering, Tooling Engineering, Operations/Plants, Supply Chain, Quality, and Commercial teams across all regions.
Align and manage plant-level responsibilities for global product lines, ensuring clear ownership and handshakes between regions and processes.
Partner with Finance and Commercial to validate business cases (capex, tooling strategy, assembly and automation technologies, unit economics, margin impact

Customer & Stakeholder Management

Serve as a primary program interface to key customers, ensuring transparency, credibility, and timely communication.
Prepare and deliver clear updates to senior leadership and customers on status, risks, and recovery plans where needed.
Translate customer requirements into actionable internal deliverables and ensure alignment with SDS capabilities and standards.

Risk Management & Problem Solving

Proactively identify risks and constraints (e.g., tooling capacity, molding/assembly capability, supplier readiness, regulatory constraints) and drive mitigation plans.
Facilitate structured problem-solving (e.g., 8D, A3, DMAIC-style thinking) when programs encounter issues.
Escalate critical issues early with data, options, and recommended paths forward.

Qualifications / Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field required; advanced degree (MBA, MS) preferred.
7-10+ years of experience in program/project management, preferably in manufacturing, packaging, or dispensing systems.
Proven track record leading cross-functional, multi-site, or global programs from concept to launch.
Experience working with injection molding, assembly automation, and/or high-volume consumer goods manufacturing is strongly preferred.

Technical & Professional Skills

Strong program management skillset: scope definition, planning, critical-path management, risk tracking, and change control.
Comfortable working with technical teams (molding/tooling, product design, automation, quality) and translating complex issues into clear actions and decisions.
Financial acumen to understand business cases, capex requests, unit cost drivers, and customer margin expectations.
Excellent communication skills-written and verbal-with the ability to tailor messaging for operators, engineers, commercial teams, and executives.
Proficiency with standard PM tools (e.g., MS Project or equivalent, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration platforms.

Behavioral Competencies

Strong ownership mindset: acts as the "CEO" of the program, not just the coordinator.
High bias for action with the ability to drive urgency while maintaining strong relationships.
Collaborative, low-ego, and adept at influencing without direct authority across regions and cultures.
Resilient and calm under pressure; comfortable operating in ambiguous, dynamic environments.
Customer-centric, with a clear focus on delivering reliable, scalable solutions that build long-term partnerships.

Travel

Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (approximately [20-30%], depending on program needs) to plants, suppliers, and customer sites.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.

Silgan is a drug-free workplace.