Project Manager -

NPD Buffalo Grove, IL Full-time Worker Sub Type:

Regular Job Family:

Project Management Job Description Who will you be working with? You will be joining our innovative Wabtec Bus Solutions division, a team dedicated to developing, selling, and servicing leading systems for the Transit Bus & Rail industries including eBus charging systems, innovative passenger door systems, access ramps, and wheelchair lifts. Our group combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of product requirements to deliver industry-leading solutions, lasting value to our customers, and cutting-edge technologies that shape the future of public transit. How will you make a difference? As a member of the Wabtec Bus Solutions division, you will be responsible for leading the successful delivery of complex, multi-year new product development projects and large customized customer design projects from "cradle to grave." You will oversee cross-functional teams to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, while also serving as the central point of coordination and communication for all project stakeholders. Reporting to the Director of Engineering with a dotted line to the Vice President Sales - North America , you will contribute significantly to the team's success in driving innovation in the transportation industry. What do we want to know about you? You may be a good fit if you have: Bachelor's degree in engineering (ABET accredited) Master's degree, PMP, or equivalent project management certification is a plus 8+ years of relevant experience in project management, engineering, & manufacturing Proven track record of delivering projects on time, in budget, meeting quality targets Well versed in effective use of PM tools including Scopes, Work Breakdown Structures, Timelines, Budgets, Risk Matrices, Organization Charts/RACI's, Presentations Strong detailed planning, tracking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities Effective leadership with the ability to motivate and coordinate cross-functional groups The ability to present to outside customers and all levels of the organization Strong working knowledge of NPD Stage Gate and related tools/standards Proficient in Microsoft Project or Smartsheet, Excel, and PowerPoint The following

Competencies:

Customer Orientation:

Identifies internal/external customer needs, makes suitable proposals, monitors customer satisfaction, and provides clear communication.

Group Leadership:

Demonstrates proactive guidance, fosters inclusive decision-making, encourages collective responsibility, and promotes team communication.

Planning and Organizing:

Plans work effectively, sets priorities, communicates plans, and prepares for potential issues.

Delegation:

Delegates tasks appropriately, provides decision-making authority, and allows freedom in task execution.

Management Control:

Monitors project progress, reports on it, and anticipates disruptions.

Results Orientation:

Sets ambitious goals independently, delivers results better or sooner than expected, and makes proposals for more efficient or effective methods.

Initiative:

Acts independently, is proactive in producing proposals and ideas, and takes on tasks without being asked.

Oral Communication:

Delivers clear and logical messages, demonstrates effective questioning and answering skills, and aligns verbal and non-verbal communication.

Written Communication:

Writes concise, reader-focused communications using examples, metaphors, and illustrations to clarify.

Adaptability:

Adjusts activities and behavior independently when changes are necessary, responds effectively to unexpected issues, and adapts plans as needed.

Judgement:

Ensures in-depth understanding of situations, separates relevant information, evaluates solutions, and makes fact-based decisions.

Integrity:

Takes personal responsibility, is honest about opportunities and risks, keeps promises, and informs others frankly about issues. What will your typical day look like? Manage projects from clean sheet through implementation and after care Coordinate the efforts of cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, sales, quality, finance, and other supporting departments, potentially international Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including detailed timelines, resource allocations, and risk mitigation strategies Facilitate regular project status meetings to monitor progress, identify and resolve issues, and communicate updates to stakeholders Establish and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external partners Develop & manage project budgets to ensure projects remain on target Identify and escalate project risks and roadblocks, proposing solutions to keep on track Maintain change management processes to address scope changes and new requirements Identify lessons learned and best practices to continuously improve project delivery Execute and assist in improvement of APQP and R D/NPD process Help guide via expertise in the engineering and manufacturing arena's What about the physical demands of the job? Primarily office-based work at Buffalo Grove office Use a computer for extended periods Occasionally lift/move up to twenty-five pounds Stand, walk, and navigate facilities Occasional travel (15%) to customers' and manufacturing sites You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary. Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met. Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable) and fitness for duty test (as applicable).

Title:

Project Manager - New Product Development (NPD)

Location:

Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Salary:

$120,000-$140,000 +

Bonus PotentialHire Type:

Direct HireBenefits:

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k), bonus potential, and additional long-term career growth opportunities.

Sterling Engineering is partnering with a growing manufacturing organization in the Buffalo Grove area to hire a Project Manager - NPD. This role will lead complex new product development and customer driven engineering projects from concept through production launch while coordinating cross functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, sales, and leadership. The team is looking for a strong project leader with experience managing multiple large scale projects within a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead multiple new product development and customer driven engineering projects from concept through production launch Manage project timelines, budgets, milestones, risk mitigation plans, and overall project execution Coordinate cross functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, sales, and finance Serve as the primary point of communication for project stakeholders and customers Drive project meetings, status updates, action items, and accountability across teams Support NPD stage gate processes, APQP activities, and continuous improvement initiatives Manage project scope changes and help resolve technical or scheduling roadblocks Work closely with customers and internal leadership teams throughout the project lifecycle Help ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with quality expectations Utilize project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, risk matrices, and work breakdown structures

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Engineering or a related technical field Must have 8+ years of project management experience within manufacturing, or engineering environments Must have 2+ years of experience with new product development projects Experience managing multiple projects at varying stages and timelines simultaneously Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence cross functional teams Experience with Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or similar project management software preferred Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity