Job Title: Digital Manufacturing - Program Manager

Job Location: 19E - Hershey, PA

Introduction:

In our relentless pursuit of the complete realization of our LSP Vision, we are steadfastly committed to the foundational transformation of our operations. This commitment extends beyond enhancing the capabilities of our workforce; it includes strategic investments in systems that revolutionize day-to-day execution and digitally transform the way we work. Our overarching objective is to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, fostering processes that are not only more reliable and predictable but also agile in their ability to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of change and complexity.

Role Overview:

As a key driver of this transformative commitment, the MES Program Manager assumes a pivotal role in orchestrating, designing, and deploying the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) throughout our Manufacturing network. Collaborating with teams from Hershey Engineering, Hershey IT, and various Center of Excellence groups (COEs), including Quality, Lean, Safety, and Sustainability, the MES Program Manager takes on the crucial responsibility of representing the Manufacturing division. In doing so, this role the primary advocate and leader of the MES program, ensuring its alignment with the unique needs and goals of our manufacturing operations.

Once the MES is fully rolled out this role will continue overlooking the Digital Transformation program for Manufacturing, which will be focused on all applications supporting the Connected Worker and industry 4.0 principles.

Program Management Responsibilities:

Program Strategy and Planning:

• Develop the overall strategy and objectives for the program under the direction of Program Sponsors.
• Communicate the program strategy to project managers, ensuring alignment with individual project goals.
• Establish and manage a comprehensive and integrated program plan.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor program progress, providing consolidated status reports for Business and IS Lead review.
• Prepare progress updates for the Program Steering Committee.
• Identify and facilitate resolution of program-level issues, initiating corrective action at the Program Manager threshold.

Resource Management:

• Identify and secure resources, ensuring efficient allocation of common resources and skills across the program.
• Establish a resource plan and identify potential resource gaps or dependencies.

Contract Management:

• Monitor overall digital implementation contracts and licensees and associated deliverables.

Project Oversight:

• Oversee project gate reviews and manage cross-project dependencies.
• Set program management standards, including project plans and RAID (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies) logs.
• Ensure project managers comply with all SOX, financial, and IS project management office guidelines.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in technology management, or Management Information Systems, or Computer Engineering, or Industrial/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Lean Six Sigma/Continuous Improvement experience or certification is a plus.

Experience:

• Confirmed Project and Program management Experience.
• 10+ years of experience in IT and/or platform delivery leadership roles with a concentrated experienced in MES MOM or manufacturing solutions with ERP integration (SAP preferred).
• Expertise in Industry 4.0 technologies, including Industrial Internet of Things, Additive Manufacturing, Digital Factory Floor/Smart Factory, Augmented Reality, Automation, or Robotics.
• Demonstrated ability to develop practical, effective digital solutions for business-critical outcomes.
• Overall systems and business process knowledge, with a clear understanding of current and emerging technologies across diverse platforms.
• Independent knowledge, skills, and experience in computer programming, database design, and software configuration within manufacturing industries.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with strong oral and written communication abilities.
• Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience managing onsite and offsite technical resources throughout the software/project life cycle.
• Functional understanding of standard interfaces (API, EDI, XML, IDOC transactions).
• Integration experience with MES, PLM, ERP, and various shop floor systems.
• Experience using a DevOps approach in managing plant systems is a plus.
• Preferred experience in Consumer-Packaged Goods, Food & Beverage industry.