Principal Program Manager - Electrolyte Production Facility

As a Principal Program Manager at Anthro, your primary role will involve overseeing all activities related to the planning and construction of the electrolyte production facility. This includes managing project plans, schedules, and budgets, acting as a liaison between internal teams and external stakeholders, overseeing vendor selection, and ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies. You will play a pivotal role in bringing innovative battery technologies to life.

To be considered for the Principal Program Manager role at Anthro, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in engineering and program management, with at least 4 years specifically in manufacturing facility development. A B.S. or M.S. in chemical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field is essential. Knowledge in lithium-ion battery technology and process engineering will also be beneficial.

The Principal Program Manager at Anthro will work closely with internal teams, including engineering, quality, and supply chain, ensuring that everyone is aligned on project goals and deadlines. Regular communication and collaboration with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and vendors, are critical for the smooth progression of the facility’s development.

At Anthro, as a Principal Program Manager, you can expect a diverse and inclusive work environment that values innovative thinking and collaboration. The company also offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to supporting employees with a flexible return-to-work policy, ensuring that team members can balance work with personal needs.

The Principal Program Manager role at Anthro requires occasional travel to the facility in Kentucky, approximately once a month. This travel is essential to oversee the project’s progression on-site and to maintain close collaboration with team members and contractors involved in the construction and commissioning of the electrolyte production facility.

When answering this question, highlight your specific experiences managing construction projects, particularly in a manufacturing context. Discuss the largest projects you have led, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them, emphasizing your organizational skills and attention to detail.

In your response, discuss your approach to continuously monitoring regulations relevant to the project. Explain how you keep updated on regulations, involve regulatory agencies early, and ensure all team members are trained on compliance matters to minimize risks.

Discuss the criteria you use when evaluating vendors, such as their experience, past performance, financial stability, and capacity to meet your project's unique needs. Highlight any tools or frameworks you utilize to assess vendor capabilities effectively.

Provide an example demonstrating your problem-solving abilities. Explain the reasons for the budget deviation, detail the steps you took to address the situation, and how you communicated these changes to stakeholders while maintaining transparency.

Explain your method for assessing project priorities, such as evaluating the urgency and impact of each task. Discuss tools you use for project management, such as Gantt charts or Kanban boards, to visually track deadlines and keep the team focused.

In your response, emphasize the importance of clear and open communication in ensuring that all team members are aligned with project goals and changes. Discuss how you encourage feedback and maintain regular check-ins to address any concerns proactively.

Share your background in process engineering, focusing on how it relates to facility production processes. Discuss any specific experiences where you improved efficiency or safety standards and how those qualifications make you an ideal candidate for managing the electrolyte production facility.

Discuss your leadership style and approaches to fostering a motivating environment, such as recognizing individual contributions, setting measurable goals, and encouraging professional development to help your team stay engaged and invested in the project's success.

Provide insights into potential challenges, such as navigating regulatory requirements, maintaining cost control, or supply chain logistics. Discuss how your proactive approach and problem-solving skills will help mitigate these risks.

Explain your process for assessing project success, including metrics you would track such as timeline adherence, budget management, and stakeholder satisfaction. Discuss the importance of conducting a post-mortem analysis for continuous improvement.