Job Summary

The Program Manager Vertical Integration will lead the successful launch and operational readiness of new facilities, automation, and Prime Vendor customers. This senior leader will be responsible for orchestrating cross-functional teams, driving strategic alignment, and ensuring seamless integration of operations from initial planning through full-scale production. The ideal candidate brings deep operational expertise, a proven ability to influence at all levels, and a passion for building high-performing teams and systems from the ground up. This role calls for an individual with a high level of ownership to navigate and resolve conflict between competing priorities at each site and drive timely delivery. The role’s scope requires a strong ability to address ambiguity and deliver effective solutions that bridge gaps between teams, processes, and systems.

Job Description

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Startup Leadership: Lead end-to-end planning and execution of startup activities, including readiness planning, ramp-up, and operational handoff. Solve complex problems that pose risk to project delivery and key milestones through deep dives with stakeholder Subject Matter Expert (SME) input.

• Change Management: Lead change initiatives by developing clear communication plans, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring smooth adoption of new processes, systems, and tools. Anticipate resistance and proactively address concerns to maintain momentum and alignment throughout the organization.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Partner with Engineering, Facilities, Supply Chain, HR, Regulatory, Sales, and other departments to ensure alignment and readiness across all operational functions.

• Strategic Influence: Influence senior leaders and peers to drive decision-making, resolve conflicts, and ensure startup goals are prioritized and resourced appropriately.  Demonstrate the ability to assign accountability where needed.

• Operational Excellence: Establish and implement best practices for safety, quality, productivity, and sustainability during startup phases.  Gain buy-in and support from central operations teams when developing new processes, tools, or training to ensure alignment and scalability across the organization.

• Team Development: Build and lead high-performing startup teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risk related to startup timelines, resource constraints, and operational dependencies.  Be able to navigate ambiguity, recommend solutions, and drive decision-making amongst stakeholders.

• Performance Tracking: Define KPIs and success metrics for startup milestones; monitor progress and report regularly to executive leadership.

• Data Driven Decision Making: Leverage data to derive insights, optimize distribution and operational processes, and make informed decisions.  Develop and implement standardized tools and frameworks that enable consistent, data-backed decision-making across teams and sites.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, engineering or a related field

Work Experience

7+ years in Supply Chain Operations.  3+ years of direct leadership experience.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Deep understanding of healthcare-related distribution and transportation processes

• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a track record of leading complex, cross-functional implementations.

• Ability to influence without direct authority and drive alignment across diverse teams

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities

• Experience leading cross-functional teams

• Experience using data and metrics to determine and drive improvements

• Proficiency in Excel for data analysis (Pivot tables, Vlookup)

• Detail-oriented and highly organized.

• Ability to adapt to a dynamic startup environment and work well under pressure.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias for action

• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarify

• Passion for building systems, teams, and culture from the ground up

• Ability to manage complex project plans, ensuring clear definition of milestones, dependencies, and deliverables

Up to 75% travel required

PREFERRED JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

MBA or master’s degree in supply chain or related field

Certificatio