Program manager Jobs in Columbus, OH

Exo Group, LLC has been protecting public infrastructure across the U.S.
since 2009.
Without consistent maintenance and quality assurance, critical assets face a growing risk of failure over time.
Exo delivers engineering, inspection, and remediation services for lighting poles, transmission towers, and other infrastructure exposed to ongoing wear from usage, aging, and environmental conditions.
With deep expertise in vertical infrastructure, Exo builds on years of engineering design and fabrication experience across utilities, telecom, transportation, and retail sectors.
This foundation supports a comprehensive inspection and asset management approach that addresses both new installations and aging structures requiring immediate attention.
Recognizing that full replacement is often impractical due to cost and safety constraints, Exo developed its Ex-Tend approach to manage assets throughout their entire life cycle.
From initial quality assurance to ongoing inspection and targeted repairs, this method is designed to extend service life and improve reliability.
Supported by data-driven insights, Exo helps clients monitor asset conditions and make informed, strategic decisions.
Position Overview: The Program Manager serves as a senior leader responsible for overseeing a portfolio of lighting and utility infrastructure projects executed by a team of Project Managers.
This role blends strategic oversight with operational execution, ensuring that all programs align with business objectives, meet client expectations, and are delivered on time and within budget.
The Program Manager plays a key role in mentoring project managers, standardizing processes, driving innovation, and acting as the primary liaison between executive leadership and project delivery teams.
Key Responsibilities Program and Portfolio Leadership o Lead and manage a portfolio of lighting and utility-related projects, ensuring strategic alignment with organizational goals and client needs.
o Translate high-level business objectives into actionable program and project execution plans.
o Balance competing demands across projects (e.g., scope, time, cost, resources, risk) to ensure cohesive delivery and sustainable performance.
Project Manager Oversight o Directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of Project Managers across multiple concurrent projects.
o Establish clear expectations and performance standards, providing ongoing feedback and professional development opportunities.
o Foster a culture of accountability, leadership, and continuous improvement within the project management team.
Strategic Planning and Execution o Collaborate with senior leadership to define long-term program strategies, roadmap priorities, and resource needs.
o Ensure consistency in project execution through standard operating procedures, templates, and methodologies.
o Guide Project Managers in balancing tactical execution with strategic impact.
Project Governance and Controls o Establish and maintain project governance structures across all projects and programs, including steering committees, stakeholder communication plans, and escalation procedures.
o Ensure all projects comply with organizational and regulatory standards for safety, quality, and performance.
Risk and Issue Management o Oversee risk identification, mitigation, and contingency planning at both the project and portfolio levels.
o Support Project Managers in resolving escalated risks, conflicts, and resource constraints.
Stakeholder and Client Engagement o Serve as the senior point of contact for major clients, internal stakeholders, and executive leadership.
o Communicate progress, risks, and strategic decisions effectively to all audiences, tailoring messages as needed.
o Ensure stakeholder satisfaction through proactive engagement, transparency, and results-driven delivery.
Budget and Resource Management o Oversee project and program budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation, cost control, and ROI optimization.
o Guide Project Managers in developing accurate forecasts, tracking expenditures, and maximizing resource utilization.
Change Management and Innovation o Drive change management initiatives related to process improvement, technology integration, and organizational growth o Encourage a culture of innovation within the project management team to improve execution quality and efficiency.
Performance Tracking and Evaluation o Implement systems for measuring key project and program performance metrics (KPIs), including delivery timelines, cost efficiency, quality standards, and client satisfaction.
o Lead post-project reviews to document lessons learned and embed continuous improvement into future initiatives.
Qualifications and Requirements Education: Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, project management, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
Certifications: PMP, PgMP, or equivalent project/program management certification strongly preferred.
Experience: o 10+ years of progressive project management experience, including at least 3 years managing project managers or cross-functional teams.
o Demonstrated success overseeing complex, multi-site infrastructure or construction projects, ideally in lighting, utilities, or related industries.
o Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in project portfolio management (PPM) tools and ERP systems; deep understanding of PM methodologies such as PMBOK, Agile, or Lean.
Leadership Competencies: o Strategic thinker with a strong grasp of organizational dynamics and long-range planning.
o Effective communicator with proven skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder alignment.
o Motivational leader who can coach high-performing teams and cultivate future leaders.
Other Skills: o Strong financial acumen with experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets.
o Exceptional organizational, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
o Comfortable operating in fast-paced, client-facing environments with shifting priorities.
Physical Requirements Mobility: o Ability to sit or stand for extended periods at a desk or during meetings.
o Occasional walking, bending, or standing when conducting site visits or walkthroughs.
o Must be able to move through construction or installation sites, which may involve uneven terrain, ladders, or tight spaces.
Visual Acuity: o Ability to read and interpret technical documents, spreadsheets, blueprints, and project plans.
o Use of a computer screen and digital tools for extended periods.
Manual Dexterity: o Frequent use of hands and fingers for computer work, phone use, and documentation.
Hearing and Speech: o Must be able to communicate effectively in both office and field environments, including in-person, virtual meetings, and over the phone.
Travel: o Occasional travel to project sites or client meetings, potentially including air travel, driving, and overnight stays.
Mental and Cognitive Requirements Executive Functioning: o High-level decision-making skills and the ability to prioritize competing demands under pressure.
o Ability to plan, strategize, and coordinate multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Attention to Detail: o Precision in reviewing contracts, budgets, technical reports, and compliance documentation.
o Strong focus on quality assurance and project standards.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: o Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to interact with clients, executives, and cross-functional teams.
o Ability to navigate high-stakes or sensitive conversations diplomatically and professionally.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: o Must be able to assess risks, identify root causes of issues, and develop effective solutions quickly.
o Capable of anticipating project roadblocks and adapting to evolving conditions.
Emotional Intelligence: o Leadership presence and the ability to motivate, coach, and manage a diverse team.
o Must manage stress effectively and maintain composure in fast-pac ed or high-pressure situations.
Learning Agility: o Ability to absorb and apply new technologies, industry standards, and project management methodologies.
o Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
FLSA Status: Exempt Reports To: Director, Project Management Location: On-site Note: The above job description is a general overview of the responsibilities and requirements typically associated with the role of Program Manager.
The specific duties and requirements may vary depending on organizational requirements and industry standards.
Exo is committed to equal employment opportunity.
We recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.