Role Summary
The Fast Lane Program Manager is responsible for leading the development, execution, and scaling of the Fast Lane manufacturing program. This role drives alignment between Operations, R&D, Engineering, Sales, Finance, and HR to ensure the program progresses from early-stage development into a stable, scalable, and financially viable manufacturing operation.
The position combines strategic planning, operational execution, and cross-functional leadership with accountability for performance, milestones, and long-term program success.
Strategic Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain multi-year expansion plans, including milestones, financial targets, staffing needs, and technology requirements.
- Incorporate input from Sales, Marketing, R&D, Engineering, and HR into program planning and execution.
- Partner with the VP of Finance to define capital requirements, financial projections, and investment planning.
- Track and report program KPIs, milestones, and performance metrics to executive leadership.
- Evaluate program performance and support pivot/persevere decisions alongside the CEO/Visionary.
- Ensure alignment between strategic goals and operational execution across all program areas.
Management Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams across Operations, R&D, Engineering, Finance, Quality, IT, and Sales.
- Delegate responsibilities and ensure clear ownership of tasks, milestones, and deliverables.
- Maintain alignment across departments and leadership to ensure execution of program objectives.
- Collaborate with department managers to prioritize work and resolve resource conflicts.
- Work with Finance and R&D leadership to manage and monitor program budgets.
- Execute staffing plans, including leadership roles and team structure development.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives directly and in partnership with IT and Operations teams.
- Ensure consistent execution of day-to-day operations while maintaining focus on long-term goals.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Define and manage short- and long-term milestones for the Fast Lane program in collaboration with R&D leadership.
- Coordinate operational needs across Production, Technology, Engineering, Equipment, and Facilities.
- Monitor progress against plans and adjust priorities based on performance, capacity, and business needs.
- Provide daily direction and prioritization to program team members.
- Identify and allocate resources, including people, capital, and equipment.
- Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving efforts across functional teams.
- Facilitate cross-functional meetings and ensure clear communication of priorities, risks, and updates.
- Maintain and distribute program status updates, reports, and presentations.
- Support ISO 9001, AS9100, and ITAR compliance activities, including documentation, process updates, and audits.
- Ensure consistent execution of quality and compliance requirements on the shop floor.
- Support Sales and Marketing by providing operational insight, capability updates, and program status.
- Maintain a strong focus on internal and external customer satisfaction across all interactions.
Required Qualifications
- Experience in a program, operations, or manufacturing leadership role.
- Proven ability to develop and execute long-term strategic and financial plans.
- Experience working in high-growth or rapidly scaling environments.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured approach to execution.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong presentation and stakeholder management abilities.
- High attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
- Strong computer proficiency (email, spreadsheets, scheduling, ERP or job tracking tools).
- Ability to work effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Project or program management experience.
- Manufacturing industry experience, especially metal manufacturing or CNC machining.
- Experience in high-mix, low-volume or precision manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, ITAR, or other regulated manufacturing systems.
- Experience with continuous improvement methodologies.
- Exposure to capital equipment planning, suppliers, or outsourced manufacturing.
Benefits
- Free catered lunches (daily, as applicable)
- Fully stocked snack and beverage room
- Paid time off
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- SIMPLE IRA with minimum 3% company match
- Professional development opportunities
Closing Statement
If you're looking for an opportunity to help build and scale a manufacturing program from the ground up—while working across teams to drive real operational and strategic impact—we encourage you to apply and learn more about Fast Lane.