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Senior Director, Program Management

Livermore, CA

As the leading transit bus manufacturer in the United States, GILLIG buses play a critical role in the environmental and social initiatives in communities across our nation.  GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched reputation in the industry for quality, reliability, durability, service, and support.  From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built in Livermore, CA. 

WHY GILLIG

  • Leader in environmentally friendly mobility solutions including battery electric, hybrid electric, near-zero CNG and clean diesel transit buses
  • Renowned for its inclusive team/family-oriented culture
  • Stable, successful, and growing organization – a Bay Area business for over 132 years!
  • Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
  • Excellent compensation including company paid medical premiums, generous retirement plan and other comprehensive benefits

ABOUT THE ROLE

GILLIG's mission is to design, build, and support the safest and most reliable transit buses in the United States. Our products help reduce congestion, contribute to a cleaner environment, and provide mobility to all. As a key leader within the Product Planning & Strategy organization, the Senior Director, Program Management will play a critical role in delivering the next generation of transit solutions that improve quality of life in communities across the country.

The Senior Director, Program Management is responsible for leading GILLIG's Product Development Program Management organization and ensuring the successful execution of the company's product development portfolio. This leader will oversee a team of Program Managers responsible for driving cross-functional programs from concept through launch, ensuring alignment across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Operations, Finance, and other key stakeholders.

GILLIG has established program management processes and governance structures and continues to invest in strengthening its product development capabilities. This role will be responsible for continuously improving program management practices, reporting, planning, risk management, and cross-functional execution while ensuring successful delivery of product development and product improvement programs. The Senior Director will also play an important role in helping evolve program management processes and governance as new ERP and PLM capabilities are implemented across the organization.

This position requires a highly collaborative leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, drive accountability across a matrixed organization, communicate effectively with executive leadership, and proactively identify and escalate risks to ensure successful program outcomes.

Reporting to the Vice President, Product Planning & Strategy, this leader will work closely with GILLIG's executive leadership team to provide visibility into portfolio health, key decisions, resource needs, and program execution risks.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL

Program Leadership & Portfolio Execution

  • Lead and develop a team of Program Managers responsible for the successful execution of GILLIG's product development and product improvement portfolio
  • Ensure programs are delivered on time, on scope, and on budget while maintaining alignment with business objectives and customer requirements
  • Drive estimation, planning, organization, execution, and monitoring of cross-functional activities while maintaining visibility into schedules, risks, budgets, dependencies, and committed deliverables
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and proactive intervention for programs requiring additional support, escalation, or course correction
  • Facilitate effective decision-making and cross-functional alignment to remove obstacles and maintain program momentum

Program Management Excellence

  • Continuously improve program management processes, governance, reporting structures, and execution disciplines to support predictable program delivery
  • Establish and maintain standard work, program review processes, escalation procedures, risk management practices, and portfolio reporting mechanisms
  • Ensure consistent application of program management methodologies, tools, and best practices across the organization
  • Institutionalize continuous improvement opportunities through structured lessons learned and post-program reviews
  • Support the evolution of program management processes and workflows as ERP, PLM, and other business systems are implemented and enhanced

Executive Communication & Risk Management

  • Develop and maintain executive-level reporting that provides clear visibility into portfolio health, milestones, risks, resource constraints, and critical decisions
  • Regularly assess, communicate, and escalate program risks, issues, and dependencies to executive leadership
  • Provide concise and actionable updates on program performance, progress against commitments, and mitigation plans for emerging challenges
  • Drive a culture of transparency, accountability, and proactive communication across the Program Management organization and its cross-functional partners

Leadership & Organizational Development

  • Attract, develop, and retain high-performing Program Management talent
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development
  • Build strong relationships across all levels of the organization to drive commitment, alignment, and successful execution
  • Lead by example through a combination of strategic leadership and hands-on engagement in critical programs, executive communications, and problem-solving activities

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or a related technical field; MBA or advanced degree preferred
  • 12+ years of experience leading complex product development, new product introduction, or cross-functional programs within manufacturing, commercial vehicle, automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, or similar industries
  • 5+ years of experience leading Program Managers or Program Management organizations
  • Demonstrated success delivering complex product development programs from concept through launch
  • Experience improving program management processes, governance structures, reporting systems, and execution disciplines within an established organization
  • Experience operating within structured product development or phase-gate environments
  • Experience working in or alongside ERP, PLM, or related business system implementations preferred
  • Strong business acumen and demonstrated ability to align teams and resources to strategic objectives
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, presentation, and influencing skills
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership and drive alignment across a highly matrixed organization
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to transform data into actionable business insights
  • Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, make decisions in ambiguous situations, and drive results through others

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer
  • Regularly required to sit for long periods, stand, and walk, and occasionally kneel or squat
  • The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation
  • Fast paced work environment
  • Scope of responsibilities necessitate periodic evening and weekend workload productivity
  • Standard start time 6:30 AM (negotiable)
  • Periodic travel, as necessary
  • Must be able to navigate manufacturing environment, comfortable around heavy machinery, tools, etc.
  • Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment, (i.e. safety glasses, bump caps, hearing protection, etc.)

EXPECTED COMPENSATION

$75,000 - $275,000 / annual salary + bonus + premium benefits  

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job classification, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

GILLIG is committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and respects the unique talents, experiences, and perspectives of our employees and the people we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

 

 

 

 

GILLIG is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.

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