Manufacturing Project Manager

Overview

A Manufacturing Project Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of production-related projects within a manufacturing environment. This role ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards while coordinating across engineering, operations, supply chain, and leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning & Execution

• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets for manufacturing or facility projects.
• Define scope, deliverables, and resource requirements.
• Lead project kickoff meetings and communicate expectations to stakeholders.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with engineering, production, quality, procurement, and maintenance teams.
• Ensure equipment, materials, and staffing align with project schedules.
• Facilitate communication between internal and external teams, including vendors and contractors.

Process Improvement & Efficiency

• Identify opportunities to streamline manufacturing processes.
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives to improve productivity and reduce waste.
• Support plant layout changes, equipment upgrades, and facility expansions.

Risk Management

• Identify potential risks or project barriers and create mitigation strategies.
• Monitor progress and proactively resolve issues related to scheduling, technical challenges, or resource constraints.

Financial Oversight

• Track project costs and maintain budget compliance.
• Prepare cost analysis, capital expenditure requests (CAPEX), and financial reports.
• Negotiate pricing and timelines with vendors and suppliers.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure projects adhere to safety guidelines, regulatory standards, and company quality expectations.
• Coordinate testing, validation, and startup of new equipment or processes.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure compliance during project implementation.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain project documentation, including schedules, meeting minutes, test results, and progress reports.
• Deliver regular updates to leadership on project status, risks, and metrics.
• Support documentation for SOPs, work instructions, and commissioning reports.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Industrial Technology, Business, or related field.
• 3–7+ years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, or project management.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and workflow.
• Proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, ERP systems).
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies (certifications a plus).
• PMP certification preferred but not required.

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and decision-making ability
• Effective communicator with diverse teams
• Adaptable and solutions-oriented
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Detail-focused with a strategic mindset

Typical Projects They Manage

• New equipment installation or commissioning
• Production line expansions or redesigns
• Facility upgrades or relocations
• Standardization of manufacturing processes
• Lean improvements and efficiency initiatives
• ERP or manufacturing software implementation
• Product launch support requiring coordination between engineering and production

Pay: $65, $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Beloit, WI Required)

Work Location: In person