Program Manager, SPO

This is team is on site in Needham MA, 3x a week 

Summary 

This position will report to the Program Manager, Strategic Planning Operations (SPO), and serves as a key contributor to the team responsible for driving and supporting the monthly forecasting cycle. This team enables the sales team to own the attainment and accuracy of their sales forecast in an efficient manner, the supply team to bring in the appropriate inventory, and the business to appropriately bridge the financial forecast.  

Key Characteristics 

• Rarely Satisfied – Has a burning desire to win, driving themselves and others to push for personal, daily improvement. 

• Progress Over Perfection – Makes quick, daily progress and continuously adapts to achieve iterative results rather than requiring perfect planning 

• Details Make the Difference – Strives to fully understand the situation, opportunity, or problem, learning what might be below the surface as to get ahead of it 

• Winning is a Team Sport – Collaborates with many cross-functional colleagues to collectively win, understanding and appreciating that differences exist between cultures around the globe as it relates to attitudes, values, perceptions, preferences, and behaviors 

• Communicates for Impact – Communicates effectively, honestly, and directly with others via verbal and written communication, asking bold questions of colleagues and leaders. 

• Operates with a spirit of continuous inquiry; open to challenges and demonstrates a deep understanding of possible directions and tactics, deploying personal creativity to tackle tough problems. 

• Demonstrates strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data, connect insights across functions, and translate findings into actionable recommendations. 

• Nimble, agile, and resourceful; turns challenges into opportunities; goes beyond highlighting problems and shows up with a mindset to solve every problem and presents possible solutions. 

• Leads cross-functionally, with an unsatiable curiosity and desire to find mutually beneficial solutions which motivate and satisfy stakeholders. 

• Enjoys the freedom to learn and grow in a passionate environment 

• Manages many projects and tasks at once while meeting or exceeding deadlines 

• Embraces transparency and shifting priorities while learning from each decision 

• Demonstrates a keen ability to influence others without direct authority. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Global Planning Operating Model Rollout and Support 

• Drive implementation of the Global Planning Operating Model across North America, Latin America, the UK, and Europe, enabling consistent attainment and accuracy to financial forecast, zero products on allocation, and no incremental E&O inventory 

• Act as a key point of contact for regional stakeholders, ensuring clarity, alignment, and engagement throughout the rollout process 

• Identify and proactively address barriers to successful implementation by working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders 

• Enable the execution of the Operating Model through their team (agenda, notes, calendar, key takeaways/actions, and follow ups) 

• Stakeholder Engagement and Feedback Management: 

• Gather, consolidate, and analyze feedback from stakeholders (both positive and constructive) and share it with Planning team to inform potential revisions or clarifications to the Operating Model 

• Serve as a trusted advisor to stakeholders on prioritizing implementation tasks and phasing the rollout for maximum effectiveness 

• Facilitate regular communication and updates to stakeholders, fostering trust and alignment 

Best Practices and Knowledge Sharing: 

• Identify and disseminate best practices and key learnings across North America, Latin America, the UK, and European regions to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Operating Model rollout 

• Collaborate with other regional teams to share insights and foster a culture of continuous improvement 

• Facilitate monthly group learning sessions to bring stakeholders together, share ideas, process improvements, and foster collaboration across cross-functional teams. 

Strategic Leadership: 

• Act as a thought leader to drive innovative approaches for implementing the Operating Model and overcoming challenges 

• Provide strategic input on other cross-region, cross-category initiatives
• Partner with Global Planning organization to complete weekly and monthly deliverables; rolling out additional initiatives as they arise 

Technical Skill Set 

• Advanced Excel expertise for analysis, pivot tables, formatting, and project/program management dashboards 

• Strong data analysis and visualization skills, translating complex information into clear, executive-ready insights, and creation of process artifacts that drive alignment, adoption, and change 

• Proven ability to embrace and experiment with AI, using AI-driven inputs to enhance analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making 

• Proficiency across the Microsoft ecosystem (PowerPoint, Visio, Power BI, SharePoint, Teams) for storytelling, process mapping, reporting, and collaboration 
• Working knowledge of data infrastructure concepts (data pipelines, data lakes) and Agile delivery practices, including sprint planning 

Qualifications 

• Proven experience of 5-7 years in program management, change management, or process implementation in a regional or global context 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders. Must be comfortable with public speaking and communicating with SVP and C-Level audiences. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities. Exceptional detail management required. Experience in capturing and synthesizing feedback to drive continuous improvement 

• Strategic, creative, and innovative thinking skills with the ability to anticipate future needs and opportunities for expansion 

• Familiar with operational models and cross-regional or global program delivery 
• Sales, account management, and startup experience is preferred