Sr. Program Manager, Product Development

Vitamix is unquestionably the premium brand of high-performance “blenders,” and known for its top-notch company culture and climate. It is an important component of what makes Vitamix unique and successful, and the reason why Vitamix is recognized as a Top Workplace, NorthCoast99 Winner, and Smart Culture Award recipient.

Throughout its 100+ year history, Vitamix has encouraged and promoted healthy lifestyles for both its customers and employees. Employees enjoy multiple wellness programs and perks, a free Vitamix machine, and an onsite fitness center. Vitamix also offers a flexible work environment, great work culture, healthy living initiatives like fitness reimbursements, and opportunities for advancement.

For consumers, Vitamix can be found domestically in places like William Sonoma, Sur la Table, Crate & Barrel, Target, Amazon, and at Vitamix.com, and is in over 130 countries around the world.

Ultimately, Vitamix is the Global-leader in high-performance blending solutions for home and commercial use, is preferred by chefs and is found in many of top restaurants around the world. It is relied upon by culinary schools in the U.S. and has been used to train thousands of students and master chefs worldwide. If it is not a Vitamix, it’s just a blender.

The Sr. Program Manager, Product Development is a strategic leader responsible for driving and executing on high-impact programs that shape the company’s product portfolio and market position. This role champions innovation and ensures operational excellence across all PD programs.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead multiple end- to- end programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and long-term business goals.
• Utilize Vitamix’s Product Development Process, ensuring timely and accurate gate reviews and routine reports are conducted on assigned projects. Responsible for assuring process discipline within project teams.

• Collaborate and motivate all cross- functional areas during development to meet key deliverables.
• Lead product development, value engineering and supply chain activities from definition to production, focusing on speed to market, schedule, budget and product cost.

• Prioritize and balance competing initiatives with the PD portfolio to maximize ROI and market impact.
• Deliver high-level program updates, risk assessments, and performance metrics to senior leadership.
• Lead organizational change initiatives related to product introduction and process improvements.
• Drive adoption of best practices, advanced methodologies, and emerging technologies in program execution.
• Mentor Program and Project Managers, fostering professional development and accountability.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

7+ years’ experience in program management, preferably in a product development environment

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

PMP certified, Agile experience, preferred

Technical Skills: 

• Proficient in MS Office
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-project programs with cross functional teams
• Proficient in project management tools

Other Requirements:

•  Problem Solving - Skilled at quickly diagnosing issues, identifying root causes, and developing and implementing effective solutions.
•  Critical Thinking - Ability to break down complex information, identify key elements, and assess their validity and relevance.
•  Communication - Ability to clearly articulate reasoning, explain decisions, and effectively convey complex ideas to different audiences.
•  Relationship Building - Ability to establish, maintain, and cultivate positive relationships with individuals, teams, and external stakeholders to foster a collaborative environment
•  Flexibility - Ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities, new information, and diverse situations, while remaining focused on achieving goals.
•  Resourcefulness - Leverages available resources and contacts to overcome obstacles and achieve project goals efficiently.
•  Process Improvement - Demonstrated ability to analyze workflows, identify inefficiencies, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
•  Organizational Skills - Effectively manages time, prioritizes tasks, meets deadlines, and maintains systems for achieving goals.
•  Attention to Detail - Consistently maintains high standards of quality and accuracy across different tasks and projects.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit up to 8 hours per day, with walking and standing required frequently
• Visual acuity is required to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data, viewing a computer terminal, reading documents, reports, and emails
• Repetitive hand movements for tasks like typing or assembly

Amount of Travel Required: Up to 10% travel required

# of Direct Reports: 0

Work Schedule/Shift: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Work Environment: Office

The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.