Project Manager

The Project Manager plans, coordinates, and delivers manufacturing projects from initial scope through production launch and closeout. This position leads cross-functional execution for new product introductions, tooling and equipment installations, capacity expansions, customer programs, supplier initiatives, and process improvements. Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, Purchasing, Maintenance, Sales, and leadership, the Project Manager keeps scope, schedule, cost, risks, documentation, and stakeholder communication aligned so projects meet customer and company requirements. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead manufacturing projects from scope definition through implementation, production launch, and closeout. - Develop project schedules, milestones, budgets, resource plans, implementation plans, and action-item trackers. - Coordinate new product and customer launches, including feasibility, APQP and PPAP timing, tooling, materials, quality requirements, capacity, and production readiness. - Facilitate cross-functional project meetings; assign owners, document decisions, track commitments, and follow up to closure. - Serve as the primary project communication link among internal teams, customers, suppliers, contractors, and leadership. - Monitor schedules, costs, deliverables, and scope; identify risks early and implement recovery plans. - Coordinate equipment purchases, machine and tooling installations, facility changes, trials, validation runs, and production start-up activities. - Partner with Purchasing and suppliers to ensure materials, tooling, equipment, and outside services are available when required. - Coordinate engineering changes, customer requirements, project documentation, approvals, and change control. - Track actual spending against approved budgets and promptly escalate significant variances, risks, or decisions. - Identify and support improvements in safety, quality, throughput, workflow, labor efficiency, and capacity. - Complete post-project reviews, document lessons learned, and standardize improvements for future launches. - Support other operational and continuous-improvement initiatives as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent manufacturing experience will be considered. - Three to five years of project management, engineering, operations, or manufacturing experience preferred. - Demonstrated ability to manage multiple cross-functional projects, priorities, budgets, and deadlines simultaneously. - Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment installation, production launches, capacity planning, and change management. - Strong problem-solving, organization, communication, follow-through, and accountability skills. - Ability to work effectively with employees at all levels and with customers, suppliers, and contractors. - Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and project-management or scheduling tools. - Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous-improvement practices preferred. - Automotive or heavy-truck manufacturing experience preferred. PK-184 Rev. Lev. 3 Date: 8/24/2026 - Ability to work 45 or more hours per week and adjust the schedule as project needs require. PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS This position works in both office and manufacturing environments and requires regular time on the production floor. The employee must be able to sit and use a computer for extended periods and regularly stand, walk, bend, kneel,