Company Overview

Kindred is a rapidly growing, venture backed start-up focused on unlocking the conversion of gasoline vehicles to electric using our technology and scale.

We are marketing folks, technicians, software developers, mechanical engineers, designers, painters, and car lovers. We love a whiff of gasoline and we geek out about the torque provided by electric motors. Above all we believe the world is a better place with vintage cars out on the road.

We strive to create a meaningful workplace at Kindred, which means something different for each of our team members. For some, it’s getting these immortal vehicles on the road. For others it’s the portion of revenue we donate to our local community for every vehicle sold. For many at Kindred, it’s the inclusive work environment we’ve created.

Our cars create joyful experiences for our customers and immense pride for our team. If you can match our passion, values, and work ethic, we want you!

Position Summary

The Director of Program Management is responsible for cross-functional project management, ensuring Kindred leadership is aligned on goals, deadlines, and deliverables. This includes managing new model development from concept to production.

In addition to objective project management the Director of Program Management will be expected to have a strong voice in the decision-making process to ensure that each project is on track and progressing in the best interest of the company. Ultimately you will be accountable for ensuring that projects are accomplished on time and in line with company goals.

The right candidate will be a self-motivated problem solver who has successfully stood up the program management function in close collaboration with cross-functional partners from end-to-end with limited oversight in a startup environment. This is a strategic, high-profile role and requires someone who is driven and eager to make an impact, but entirely at ease within the chaos of the startup phase. The Director of Program Management will report directly to the CEO.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Stand up the program management function at Kindred – constantly seeking feedback and iterating until unknowns are pinned down and key milestones and timelines are defined
• Drive Cross-functional project management – end-to-end
• Set program goals, deadlines, and deliverables and manage to completion
• Ensure cross-functional visibility and alignment on priorities, goals, timelines, blockers
• Manage project visibility tools, user expectations, and compliance (Currently Jira)
• Provide ongoing status updates and visibility to senior management
• Develop a strategic POV and always bring solutions
• Document and apply learnings and best practices to new programs

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Driven and eager to work in a fast-paced startup manufacturing environment
• Bachelor’s degree with 6-10 years of experience in Program/Project Management
• Experience defining the program management function and managing programs featuring an early-stage physical product through its entire life cycle Manufacturing experience – Preferably automotive
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide cross-functional teams and drive organizational change.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on building relationships and delivering results.
• Strategic thinker with proven experience managing and influencing key stakeholders
• High sense of ownership and accountability

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

You will spend time in a working facility, particularly as we build out our processes. Walking, sitting, standing, bending, and stooping. Lifting, carrying, or pushing/pulling supplies, materials, equipment and/or items weighing up to 25 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but at times requires ear plugs and/or the use of eye protection.

You are welcome at Kindred for who you are, no matter where you come from or what you look like. The more voices we include in our business, the more we will achieve together. So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It's in our differences that we find our inspiration to enjoy the ride.