Strategy and Transformation - Strategic Program Manager

Komatsu • Chicago, IL, US • 1d ago

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Job Overview

The Strategic Program Manager with the Strategy & Transformation Management Office will lead the successful planning, deployment, and execution of strategic programs within Komatsu North America. This includes managing program activities, tasks, and partnerships across the North American region, driving adoption, and ensuring success through program delivery. Programs will vary in scope, complexity, criticality, success criteria, requiring strong leadership, technical acumen, and Outcomes focus.

In addition to program management responsibilities, this role will primarily serve as an internal consultant, partnering with the Divisions to identify opportunities, analyze challenges, and provide strategic recommendations that align with organizational goals. The individual will leverage consulting methodologies to facilitate decision-making, optimize processes, and ensure that initiatives deliver measurable value across the enterprise.

Key Job Responsibilities

Program Delivery and Execution

Drive program delivery excellence by coordinating cross-functional teams, removing roadblocks, and monitoring milestones to ensure initiatives are delivered on schedule and within scope

Mitigate and reduce delivery risks by proactively identifying delivery challenges, managing dependencies, and implementing corrective actions to achieve program success criteria

Track program health towards established goals and Outcomes and ensure accurate and timely reporting

Continuously improve performance by capturing lessons learned, adapting processes, and embedding efficiencies into future delivery cycles

Program Delivery Standards

Establish and reinforce consistent program management practices and standards for across Komatsu North America, including program plans, RAID logs, communication plans, and more

Provide tools, templates, and frameworks to strengthen program management capabilities and enhance delivery effectiveness

Drive alignment on program standards and templates with other existing PM teams and organizations within Komatsu North America outside of the STMO

Apply structured change management approaches to support the STMO in driving adoption, stakeholder alignment, and sustained value realization aligned with North America strategy, divisional priorities, and intended Outcomes.

Internal Consulting

Support the STMO Portfolio Lead and act as a trusted advisor for Komatsu North America teams to diagnose complex business challenges, synthesize insights, and define actionable next steps for improvement

Drive key strategic planning activities including developing strategic frameworks, goals, objectives, long-term roadmaps, and facilitating planning workshops

Understand market landscape, including customer needs and future growth areas, to inform long-term strategies

Builds supporting materials and business cases for the Program Owners for executive level conversations, meetings and workshops

Stakeholder Engagement

Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including executives, senior leadership, team leads, and employees

Promote open communication channels and collaboration to gain buy-in and support for transformation initiatives

Engage stakeholders throughout program processes, incorporating feedback and perspectives when implementing frameworks

Drive cross-collaboration among business and supporting functions to solicit input for strategic program direction

Strategic Alignment

Support STMO Portfolio Leads in developing detailed plans for strategic programs aligned to North America strategy, including aligning program activities and support with each division’s strategic Outcomes and priorities

Support recurring STMO-led processes, including the 12-step strategic process, executive meeting support and materials development, and facilitation of strategic workshops.

Qualifications/Requirements

Bachelor's and/or master's degree in a quantitative or business field preferred, with minimum 5 years of work experience
2+ years of consulting experience from a strategy consulting firm, including generalist experience across multiple industries preferred
Proven ability to manage multiple complex initiatives and deliver results under tight deadlines
Strong interpersonal skills with ability to bring together cross-functional leaders for discussions, issue resolution, and alignment
Self-starter who identifies opportunities, addresses challenges, and builds actionable execution plans
Ability to communicate succinct stories to senior management, including Division VPs and C-Suite, to gather input and buy-in
Experience bringing structure to ambiguous problems, framing key questions, and developing clear work plans to answer them.
Experience aggregating market, customer, and expert insights into clear, cohesive recommendations for executive leaders.
Proficiency with program management tools (e.g., Microsoft Planner / Microsoft Project)
Strong knowledge of program/project management methodologies (e.g. Future-Back Planning, Lean Six Sigma)
Up to 10-15% travel required to meet with program teams

Hiring Range

At Komatsu, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. This role pays $$115,000 - $135,000. The actual offer will consider a wide range of factors, including experience and location.

Company Benefits

Komatsu provides an extensive and robust employee benefits package that is designed to enhance the well-being of our employees and family members. We embrace a positive and empowering employee experience with a culture that prides itself on a diverse and inclusive environment.

Health benefits: Medical, dental, vision, HSA, wellness programs, etc.
401k and/or employee savings programs
Employee time off (vacation and designated holidays)
Employee and family assistance programs
Disability benefits
Life insurance
Employee learning and development programs

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

At Komatsu, we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences and contributions. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. Connected by our core values of ambition, perseverance, collaboration and authenticity, we are committed to continually advancing in our support of diversity and inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together. 

Company Information

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu employs more than 64,000 people worldwide, operating in more than 140 countries. For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Since the company’s founding in 1921, Komatsu has been committed to supporting individuals and communities through job training, skills development and giving back. As a Komatsu employee, you will be encouraged to grow alongside our global company, contributing to a more sustainable future for all. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, join Komatsu to be a part of something big and help advance modern society. Learn more at www.komatsu.com.

EEO Statement

Komatsu is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.