Program Manager, Special Projects

## Company Description Zwiesel Fortessa Americas LLC previously known as Fortessa Tableware Solutions, LLC, a leading global tableware company part of the Zwiesel Fortessa Group, has been an integrated designer, developer, and marketer of high-quality tableware for more than 30 years. We design and source the dinnerware, flatware, glassware and serveware selected by the top foodservice professionals worldwide and preferred for home entertaining. Our products are found in over 80% of Forbes four- and five-star hotels in North America; it’s clear that we do business with those who expect (and deliver) the best! We are recognized for innovative design, industry leading manufacturing standards, and an uncompromising commitment to customer service. We are passionate about our values, our people, and our products. We value work/life balance, creativity, collaboration, and making a difference in the community. ## Job Description The Program Manager leads the execution of Zwiesel Fortessa Americas’ special project initiatives from concept through delivery. Managing concurrent projects, this role ensures timelines, deliverables, and approvals stay on track across cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing, Product, Vendor Relations, Quality Control, Creative, Finance, Operations, Supply Planning) and external vendors. The Program Manager serves as a key connector—driving alignment, removing obstacles, and maintaining project momentum. Success requires exceptional attention to detail, strong project management skills, and proactive written and verbal communication. This role must identify potential risks early and recommend actionable solutions to keep initiatives on track. As a daily representative of Zwiesel Fortessa to manufacturers and suppliers, this role must consistently reflect the company’s professionalism, reliability, and core values. ## Qualifications **KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:** The essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: **Project Management & Execution** - Manage assigned special projects from start to finish. - Develop and maintain detailed timelines, ensuring critical milestones—samples, costing, reviews, and inspections—are met. - Lead regular status meetings and milestone reviews to drive accountability. - Proactively identify risks, escalate concerns, and present timely, practical solutions. **Cross-Functional Coordination** - Act as the primary liaison across internal (Sales, Marketing, Product, Vendor Relations, Quality Control, Finance, Operations, Supply Planning) Sales, Marketing, Creative, Finance, Operations, Supply Planning) functions for active projects. - Share decisions, updates, and action items clearly using the designated project management tools. - Collaborate with Sales Leadereship to incorporate margin targets and pricing feedback early in development. - Anticipate roadblocks and coordinate resolution across functions to protect launch success. **Product Strategy Alignment** - Ensure all projects consistently meet established brand quality standards, reinforcing brand integrity, visual consistencey and overall customer experience. - Provide status updates and contribute to cross-functional checkpoints, maintaining accurate documentation in required systems. **Creative & Design Integration** - Coordinate review of samples and prototypes; document and route internal feedback. - Address vendor feasibility challenges without compromising design integrity. **Vendor & Product Data Coordination** - Maintain alignment with Supply Planning, Product Development leadership, and Vendor Compliance on sourcing priorities and new product activity. - Serve as the internal advocate with vendors to align on what is within project scope, establish realistic production expectations, and clearly communicate timelines, capabilities, and trade-offs so customers understand impacts throughout the development process. - Initiate and manage vendor projects focused on samples, an…