James Mills

About James Mills

Industrial Systems Integration | New Product Development | Enterprise PMO | Electrification & Energy SystemsI work at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, supply chains, and product strategy, helping organizations translate complex industrial systems into executable portfolios, scalable products, and disciplined delivery.My career centers on New Product Development (NPD), portfolio leadership, and PMO transformation across industrial and technology organizations where execution discipline determines market success.Product & Industry ExperienceElectrical distribution equipment; medium- and low-voltage systems; smart load centers; data center power infrastructure; energy-management hardware-software ecosystems; HVAC and building controls; building automation; cooling and ventilation systems; generator and enclosure systems; industrial automation platforms; cable and broadband hardware; integrated hardware-software systems; advanced manufacturing technologies.Functional LeadershipNew Product Development (NPD); enterprise portfolio governance; program and portfolio leadership; PMO design and transformation; advanced manufacturing integration; OEM supply chains and supplier strategy; product commercialization; value engineering and cost optimization; cross-functional engineering leadership; electrification and grid modernization; industrial digitalization.Over a 30+ year career, I have led complex portfolios across electrical equipment, industrial technologies, and connected systems while building execution frameworks that move strategy to market delivery.I have built and led PMOs in Fortune 500 organizations such as ABB, Ingersoll Rand / Trane Technologies, Cisco Systems, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and FIS.Career Highlights• Leadership of portfolios exceeding $3B in enterprise value• Creation and transformation of multiple enterprise PMOs• Development of global New Product Development governance frameworks• Advanced manufacturing productivity improvements• Named inventor on three U.S. patents in electrical distribution equipmentI also co-authored two chapters on Agile project management for Microsoft Project.Today I work with executives navigating complex industrial environments where product development, manufacturing capability, and portfolio governance must operate as one system.Communication ProtocolProfessional inquiries must originate from official company domains. Messaging apps and WhatsApp are used only during confirmed engagements.

Experience

1. President Owner

   Affinity Excellence Consulting

   Jun 2022 — Present · US

   Guide organizations in establishing high-performing Project Management Offices (PMOs), implementing disciplined project management methodologies, and optimizing project portfolio strategies to align with business objectives. Lead the development of strategic project offices, mentor project managers in mastering project control techniques, and revitalize new product development initiatives to foster innovation and deliver measurable business outcomes.Consistently deliver meaningful value by transforming complexity into clarity, unlocking cost savings, driving revenue growth, and enhancing productivity. Recognized as a trusted Subject Matter Expert (SME), frequently engaged in interviews and strategic discussions. Provide virtual training, mentoring, and coaching to project management professionals, supported by decades of success in leadership development. Provide public speaking services for events.

Education

• Tennessee Technological University

  MBA, Masters of Business Administration

  1990 — 1994

• Tennessee Technological University

  BS and Masters, Mechanical Engineering and MBA

  1984 — 1994

Skills

• Product Lifecycle Management
• Integration
• Project Planning
• Docsis
• Strategic Planning
• Design Specifications
• Enterprise Resource Planning (Erp)
• Risk Mitigation
• Program Management
• Scrum
• Product Design
• Six Sigma
• Product Launch
• Software Project Management
• Project Management
• Project Delivery
• Process Improvement
• Pmo
• Product Development
• Visio
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Product Manufacturing
• Vendor Management
• Ms Project
• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Microsoft Excel
• Project Management Office (Pmo)
• Powerpoint
• Timeline Management
• Microsoft Word
• Erp
• Project Execution
• Agile Methodologies
• Management
• Change Management
• Automation
• Business Process Improvement