Location: Cork or Galway (cross-site remit)
Reports to: VP/GM (Europe)
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Program Director to lead our Project Management Office. This is a pivotal role within our business, ensuring successful delivery of high-value, complex automation projects for leading life sciences and medtech customers. The Program Director will be accountable for portfolio governance, project performance, and capacity planning, while building and developing a high-performing team of Project Managers.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Project Management Office across multiple sites, with direct line responsibility for all Project Managers. There will be matrixed responsibility for engineers acting as PM’s on interim / part time basis.
- Drive portfolio-level planning, scheduling, and governance using Trimergo ERP, MS Project/Primavera, and KPI dashboards.
- Implement and enforce robust project governance frameworks, including earned value management (EAC, SPI, CPI), change control, and risk management.
- Collaborate with Site Directors and Department Heads to align capacity, technical standards, and delivery governance.
- Provide portfolio visibility to the executive team and act as a credible counterpart to customers on program health and delivery assurance.
- Mentor, coach and lead PM team, driving efficiencies and building depth and resilience.
- Drive lessons learned and continuous improvement into project governance processes.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related discipline.
- PMP/Prince2 certification required; Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt highly desirable.
- 10+ years’ project/program management experience, with at least 5 years in automation, machine building, or life sciences industries.
- Demonstrated expertise with ERP systems and scheduling tools.
- Strong track record of leading project teams across multiple sites, functions, and cultures.
- Proven ability to manage executive stakeholders and build customer trust.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and conflict resolution skills.
