Program Executive

Position Summary

As a Program Executive, you will be responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of complex, multi-million-dollar automation programs for FORTNA’s major clients. You will serve as the executive sponsor for key accounts, ensuring seamless alignment between client expectations, business outcomes, and project execution. This role requires deep experience in managing large-scale automation projects and leading cross-functional teams through the full lifecycle of solution delivery—from design and build to go-live and post-implementation support.

Key Responsibilities

Client Leadership & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary executive point of contact for major clients relative to program delivery.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders to ensure long-term strategic alignment and customer satisfaction.
• Act as a client advocate within FORTNA, influencing internal teams to meet client expectations.

Program Oversight & Delivery

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of large-scale automation programs including material handling equipment (MHE), robotics, warehouse control systems (WCS), and software solutions.
• Manage program scope, budget, risk, schedule, and quality while ensuring compliance with all contractual obligations.
• Proactively identify risks and issues, developing mitigation strategies to ensure successful program outcomes.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a cross-functional team of project managers, engineers, consultants, and operations specialists.
• Drive a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, and Delivery teams to define program roadmaps that align with client goals.
• Guide value engineering efforts to optimize design and cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality and performance.
• Support ongoing innovation initiatives and provide thought leadership in automation and supply chain transformation.

Knowledge / Skills / Competencies:

• Expert business acumen competencies, demonstrating extensive understanding and exceptional skills with proven history of application
• Paramount level experience in program management
• Exceptional level of understanding of how to manage both directly and indirectly across multiple workstreams and projects
• Demonstrate high-level ability to manage remotely
• Leads by example through developing broad project leadership that effectively assigns responsibilities and sets clear expectations
• Extensive ability in listening, verbal, and written communication competencies
• High understanding of solving complex problems and developing solutions as well as teaching and developing others
• Expert level abilities in developing and managing budgets across multiple projects, workstreams, and programs
• Demonstrate high-ranking ability to proactively engage with Project Accountants in the management and communication of budgets
• Exceptional time management competencies
• Expert presentation development and delivery skills
• Superior client management and project leadership skills
• Highly proficient understanding of PM software, Microsoft Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, and SharePoint

Education and Experience:

Typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree (or international equivalent) and 10+ years of relevant experience.

Other Qualifications Desired:

Ability to develop and mentor others. Management skills. Oral and written communication skills. Ability to build collaborative relationships. Detail oriented. Ability to meet deadlines. Project management skills. Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.

It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.