Sr Program Manager (Alajuela, Costa Rica)
DEU - Smith & Nephew GmbH
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Are you looking for a new opportunity where you can develop yourself?
The Sr Program Manager role is responsible for leading the Project assigned and partnering with the team and other key stakeholders, this position executes and manage transformational programs aligned to S+N's RISE Strategy and our Vital Few. As part of overall Program Management, this position ensures a comprehensive People Plan, Risk Management, conflict resolution and Change Management approach, throughout the program life cycle. This position leads and motivates cross-functional and cross-cultural teams, possesses high level of stakeholder management skills with ability to think strategically, while managing the tactical details.
The successful candidate will possess excellent communication and presentation skills as well as demonstrated ability to interface effectively with employees, leaders and consultants of all levels throughout the organization. This position requires strong Manufacturing functional and process knowledge in Medical Device Industry, as well as demonstrated ability to effectively influence other and resolve conflicts.
This position is P4 level
What will you need to be successful?
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Science, Engineering, Manufacturing; MBA preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience leading and coordinating projects in a manufacturing environment, with a strong emphasis on medical device operations. This position requires strong manufacturing functional and process knowledge within the medical device industry, as well as a proven ability to effectively influence stakeholders, manage change, and resolve conflicts in a matrixed environment.
Workshop Planning & Facilitation
Proven experience planning, structuring, and facilitating project workshops (e.g., planning, discovery, alignment, retrospectives), ensuring stakeholder engagement, clear outcomes, and actionable next steps.
Change Management
Demonstrated experience leading and supporting change management initiatives, including stakeholder impact analysis, communication planning, training coordination, and adoption strategies to ensure successful transition from current to future state.
Process Scaling & Optimization
Strong experience in scaling, standardizing, and optimizing processes across teams or initiatives, with the ability to balance structure, efficiency, and flexibility in growing or complex environments.
Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
Advanced problem-solving skills with a structured, data-driven approach to identifying root causes, evaluating risks, and delivering practical, sustainable solutions in dynamic project environments.
Agile Mindset
Strong Agile mindset, demonstrating adaptability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and a focus on delivering value through iterative and incremental approaches.
Hybrid Methodology Experience (Agile & Waterfall)
Hands-on experience working in hybrid project environments, effectively applying Agile, Waterfall, or blended methodologies based on project scope, maturity, and business needs. Ability to tailor governance, planning, and execution accordingly.
Certifications:
Desired PMP or PRINCE2 certified, Black Belt certified.
Proficiency level in Microsoft Project
Languages:
Fluent in English (C1)
You. Unlimited
We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.
Inclusion+belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving, learn more about employee inclusion groups on our website
Other reasons why you will love it here!
Your future: stock purchase program, referral bonus, subsidy in transport and food, recognition program.
Work/Life Balance: Extra days off, birthday off, voluntary hours.
Your Wellbeing: company doctor, medical insurance, gym, health campaigns, employee assistance program, parental leave.
Flexibility: Hybrid work model (for more professional roles), flexible schedules.
Training: Training program, unlimited learning.
Extra perks: employees association, and more…
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Summary
Lead and coordinate manufacturing projects, manage change, optimize processes in medical device environment.
Job title
Sr Program Manager
Experience level
3+ years
Industry
medical device
Location requirements
Alajuela, Costa Rica; hybrid work allowed
Salary
Not specified
Management role
No
Required skills
Preferred skills
Specializations
Structured locations inferred from the posting.
Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica