Program Manager - Manufacturing transformation

• 15+ years of professional experience across technology, consulting, operations, manufacturing, enterprise applications, data, or digital transformation (20+ years preferred).
• Substantial, proven program management experience running large, complex, cross-functional programs end to end.
• Manufacturing domain experience — functional knowledge of manufacturing operations and/or a track record delivering manufacturing transformation programs; experience running manufacturing shop-floor engagements is ideal.
• Demonstrated stakeholder management across both business and technology, engaging senior managers and above (directors and executives) to align priorities and drive decisions.
• Command of all aspects of program management — planning, governance, status reporting, risk and dependency management, value tracking, and roadmap management.
• Strong executive communication skills, including the ability to produce executive-level updates and facilitate decision-making.
• Ability to operate in ambiguous environments and bring structure, clarity, and focus.
• Experience working with onsite/offshore delivery teams.
• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, manufacturing, industrial engineering, information systems, computer science, or a related field — or equivalent experience.

• Experience in automotive or other complex, discrete manufacturing and industrial environments.
• Experience with digital transformation, manufacturing systems (MES/SCADA), Industry 4.0/smart manufacturing, data platforms, analytics, AI/ML, or enterprise applications.
• Familiarity with Agile, hybrid delivery, product operating models, or scaled program governance.
• PMP, PgMP, SAFe, Scrum, Lean Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing/TPM, or related certifications.
• Master's degree or MBA.

A seasoned, practical, client-facing program manager — typically 20+ years of experience — with strong manufacturing domain grounding, who is confident managing senior stakeholders across business and technology, comfortable with ambiguity, close to execution, and able to turn transformation intent into measurable delivery.

Ascentt is a technology and consulting firm that helps enterprise clients modernize their business processes, data platforms, and digital capabilities through practical, outcome-driven transformation.

We work closely with automotive and manufacturing clients across data, AI/ML, analytics, enterprise applications, and digital operations.

We are hiring a seasoned, hands-on Program Manager to lead a manufacturing transformation program for a major enterprise client in the Lexington, KY area.

This is a client-facing role for someone who operates confidently with senior stakeholders, stays close to execution, and brings structure and discipline to a fast-moving transformation environment.