Program Manager

Company Description

Southwestern Manufacturing Inc. operates in a competitive global market producing wide ranging metal-based assemblies and components across a variety of industry sectors including but not limited to Mining, Oil & Gas, Crane and Drag-line Components, Agricultural, Machine Building, Nuclear, and Heavy Equipment Manufacturing. As a diversified manufacturing organization, Southwestern Manufacturing delivers complex fabrication, machining, assembly, and project solutions to customers across North America.

Role Overview

The Program Manager is responsible for leading customer programs and complex manufacturing projects from initial award through final delivery. Reporting to the Director of Programs, this role ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer requirements and quality standards.

The Program Manager serves as the primary customer contact throughout the project lifecycle and works closely with sales, engineering, production, quality, procurement, and finance teams to drive successful project execution. This position requires strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills within a fast-paced manufacturing setting. Based on the JR Program Manager role, this position carries a greater level of ownership, customer interaction, and strategic project responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

- Manage multiple customer programs and projects from quotation handoff through final delivery
- Serve as the primary liaison between customers and internal departments
- Develop, maintain, and execute comprehensive project schedules and timelines
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget
- Coordinate internal resources to support successful project execution
- Monitor project progress and proactively identify risks, delays, or resource constraints
- Lead customer meetings, project reviews, and status updates
- Manage project changes, scope adjustments, and customer requests
- Work closely with engineering, production, quality, purchasing, and logistics teams to meet project objectives
- Track project performance using appropriate systems, tools, and reporting methods
- Review manufacturing schedules and ensure resource availability
- Escalate critical project concerns to senior management when required
- Support new business opportunities through participation in customer meetings and project planning activities
- Ensure all project documentation is accurate, complete,



and maintained throughout the project lifecycle
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to project execution and customer satisfaction

Qualifications & Skills

- Strong understanding of manufacturing, fabrication, machining, and assembly operations
- Excellent customer relationship management skills
- Strong leadership and project coordination abilities
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Experience reading and interpreting technical drawings and blueprints
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint
- Experience with ERP systems and project management software
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Professional demeanor when interacting with customers and stakeholders

Education & Experience

- Post-secondary education in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, Project Management, or a related field preferred
- Minimum 5 years of project or program management experience in a manufacturing environment
- Experience managing complex fabrication, machining, or industrial projects preferred
- PMP Certification is considered a strong asset
- Experience with project scheduling software, Gantt charts, and ERP systems preferred
- Knowledge of nuclear, mining, oil & gas, agricultural, or heavy equipment industries is considered an asset
- Proven experience managing customer relationships and project budgets
- Blueprint reading and technical drawing interpretation experience preferred

Working Conditions

- Combination of office and manufacturing shop floor environments
- Exposure to industrial manufacturing conditions including noise, sparks, grinding debris, and moving equipment
- Frequent interaction with customers, production personnel, and vendors
- Occasional travel may be required based on customer and project requirements
- Extended hours or weekend work may be required to support project deadlines and customer needs




- Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in production areas

Safety & Quality Expectations

- Adhere strictly to workplace health and safety legislation and company safety procedures
- Follow all quality management system requirements and documentation processes
- Ensure customer and regulatory requirements are met throughout project execution
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across programs and operations
- Promote a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence

Key Competencies

- Leadership
- Project Management
- Customer Focus
- Communication Skills
- Problem Solving
- Strategic Thinking
- Organizational Skills
- Time Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Accountability

We Offer

- Competitive wages
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, critical illness coverage, and pension plan
- Overtime after 40 hours per week where applicable
- Professional development and career growth opportunities
- Opportunity to work on complex manufacturing and nuclear projects
- Supportive and collaborative team environment

Southwestern Manufacturing Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Southwestern Manufacturing throughout the recruitment, selection and/or interview process to applicants with disabilities. Please note that this recruitment process may involve the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist in reviewing applications and assessing candidate qualifications. All AI tools used are designed to support fair and consistent hiring practices and are subject to human oversight. Final hiring decisions are made by company representatives, not automated systems. Applicants with questions or concerns about the use of AI in this process may contact Human Resources for more information or to request an alternative application method. Any personal information collected through the hiring process, including information processed by AI tools, will be handled in accordance with our company Privacy Policy and applicable privacy laws.

Pay: From $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week

Experience:

- Program management: 5 years (preferred)
- Manufacturing: 5 years (preferred)
- Leadership: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Sr. Program Manager (Canada)
🏢 SOUTHWESTERN MANUFACTURING
📍 Canada