JOB SUMMARY
The Program Manager is a high-visibility leadership role responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing complex shipbuilding programs from contract handoff through construction, testing, delivery, and warranty support. This role leads cross-functional execution across engineering, supply chain, production, quality, and finance to ensure vessel scope, schedule, cost, safety, and quality objectives are achieved. The Program Manager serves as the primary interface for the customer and internal leadership, ensuring decisions, priorities, and risks are managed proactively throughout the build lifecycle.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead cross-functional teams through all phases of ship construction, integration, testing, sea trials, delivery, and post-delivery support.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for the customer, owner’s representatives, class/regulatory agencies, and senior leadership on all program matters.
- Develop and manage integrated program plans, critical path schedules, milestones, and status reporting to ensure on-time execution.
- Monitor program budgets, labor performance, material commitments, and forecasted costs; escalate variances and drive recovery plans as needed.
- Coordinate with engineering, supply chain, and production to ensure timely release of drawings, procurement of materials and equipment, and resolution of build issues.
- Manage program risks, technical issues, and schedule constraints by developing mitigation strategies and driving timely cross-functional decisions.
- Oversee contract compliance, specification alignment, change management, and configuration control throughout the vessel build process.
- Support inspections, testing, commissioning, and regulatory/class interactions to ensure the vessel is delivered in accordance with customer requirements and quality standards.
- Champion continuous improvement, standard work, and lessons learned to strengthen program execution and overall shipyard performance.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Business, Project Management, or a related technical field preferred.
- 7+ years of progressive experience in shipbuilding, vessel repair, marine manufacturing, or complex industrial program management.
- Equivalent combinations of education and significant shipbuilding or marine operations experience will be considered.
- Demonstrated ability to manage program scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk across multiple stakeholders in a production environment.
- Working knowledge of ship construction processes, contract specifications, change management, and class or regulatory requirements is strongly preferred.
- Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with customers and executive leadership.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/project scheduling tools; experience with Syteline and project scheduling systems is preferred.
MANAGES / DIRECT REPORTS: This position has no direct reports.
DECISION MAKING:
Exercise regularly good judgment consistent with Burger’s mission, vision and code of business conduct on a regular and continuous basis. Assume full responsibility for appropriate decisions, consequences, and results having an impact on Burger, its staff, vendors and the quality of service within the assigned operational area.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Business, Project Management, or a related technical field
- 7+ years of progressive experience in shipbuilding, vessel repair, marine manufacturing, or complex industrial program management
- Equivalent combination of education and significant shipbuilding or marine operations experience
- Ability to manage program scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk across multiple stakeholders in a production environment
- Working knowledge of ship construction processes, contract specifications, change management, and class or regulatory requirements
- Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with customers and executive leadership
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/project scheduling tools
- Experience with Syteline and project scheduling systems
What We Do
Founded in 1863, Burger is one of the oldest and most respected custom yacht builders in America and has delivered yachts which can be seen in ports around the world. Burger Boat Company builds custom yachts, in aluminum and/or steel, up to 200'(61m) and is recognized worldwide for design, quality construction, reliability and unrivaled craftsmanship. Working with in-house designers and engineers, as well as highly acclaimed designers from around the world, Burger continues to raise the bar in quality, technology and innovation. Based at its state-of-the-art shipyard in Manitowoc, Wisconsin in the United States, Burger forges trusting relationships to achieve an owner or designer's vision through a collaborative process. Working with Burger unlocks the limitless opportunities of exploring adventure around the world in elegance, luxury and style that meets any owner's vision. The talented team at Burger also offers exceptional custom furniture, maintenance, refit and repair services.
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