Project Manager

Job Summary:

The Project Manager is responsible for leading and executing cross-functional manufacturing projects from initiation through completion. This role owns project scope, schedule, cost, risk, and communication for tooling programs, equipment installations, process transfers, and customer-driven launches. The Project Engineer works closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Suppliers, and Customers to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and ready for production.

Essential Functions:

Project Planning & Execution:

• Own assigned projects from kickoff through production handoff.

• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, and milestones.

• Identify critical path activities, risks, and mitigation plans.

• Drive on-time completion through disciplined execution and follow-up.

• Escalate issues early with recommended solutions.

Cross-Functional Coordination:

• Lead cross-functional teams across Engineering, Tooling, Operations, Quality, and Maintenance.

• Run effective project meetings with agendas, action items, and documented decisions.

• Coordinate internal resources and external vendors to meet project commitments.

• Lead without authority while holding stakeholders accountable to deliverables.

Customer & Supplier Communication:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customer projects.

• Provide clear, proactive project updates to customers and internal stakeholders.

• Manage communication with tooling shops, automation vendors, and contractors.

• Align customer requirements with internal execution plans.

Manufacturing, Tooling & Equipment Projects:

• Manage mold builds, modifications, and transfers.

• Coordinate equipment installations, automation, and line builds.

• Support trial runs, qualifications, and production readiness activities.

• Partner with Operations and Quality to ensure successful production launches.

Financial & Scope Management:

• Track project budgets, tooling costs, and purchase orders.

• Manage scope changes and communicate cost and schedule impacts.

• Support forecasting related to project timing and readiness.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain complete and organized project documentation.

• Produce internal and customer-facing status reports.

• Ensure documentation is accurate, current, and audit-ready.

• Capture lessons learned and continuous improvement opportunities.

Qualifications, Education, Skills, and/or Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field preferred.

• 2+ years of project management experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

• Experience managing tooling, capital equipment, or production launch projects.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and cross-functional workflows.

• Proven ability to manage schedules, risks, and competing priorities.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.

• Ability to lead under pressure and navigate conflict professionally.