Project Manager - NPD

Project Manager – NPD

Chicago IL (SW Suburb)

Onsite

As a Project Manager, you will play a pivotal leadership role in guiding new product development (NPD) efforts that shape the future of the organization. You’ll manage complex, global projects from concept through launch—ensuring products are delivered on time, on budget, and at the highest quality standards. This role requires both strategic thinking to align with business goals and hands-on project execution to keep teams focused, motivated, and successful. This role is ideal for a proactive, innovative leader who thrives on guiding complex projects, and bringing new products to market that will define the future of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Collaboration

· Lead multidisciplinary, global project teams spanning Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Service, Quality, Finance, Product Management, and Marketing.

· Drive alignment across stakeholders and ensure projects meet customer and business needs.

· Facilitate effective communication through core team and steering team meetings.

· Provide feedback, coaching, and support to inspire high-performance teamwork.

· Proactively identify risks, resolve conflicts, and maintain project momentum.

Project Delivery

· Manage project scope, schedule, budget, resources, and quality standards.

· Control scope changes by assessing impacts on cost, schedule, and resources.

· Create and maintain detailed project schedules, identifying critical paths and interdependencies.

· Oversee project budgets, forecast ROI, and implement solutions to stay on track.

· Establish quality goals, monitor performance, and lead resolution of any issues.

· Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks throughout execution.

· Ensure completion of Stage Gate deliverables and facilitate gate review meetings.

PMO & Continuous Improvement

· Mentor other Project Managers and share best practices across the organization.

· Support portfolio evaluation and new project proposal assessments.

· Champion continuous improvement, process efficiency, and PMO maturity.

· Capture lessons learned and apply them to strengthen future projects.

· Cross-Functional & External Engagement

· Maintain strong understanding of client needs, product use cases, and industry priorities.

· Participate in industry groups, contribute thought leadership, and represent the organization externally.

· Document processes, standards, and results to support organizational learning.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical preferred) or related field.

·8+ years of project management experience in technical product development, with proven success in new product development.

· PMP Certification preferred.

· Knowledge of lean product development, DFM/DFA/DFX, Six Sigma, PPAP, and SPC.

· Must be willing to work onsite (this is not a remote position) and work cross-functionally and interface with several departments within the organization.

· Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.

· Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects from concept to completion.

· Skilled in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project (or equivalent).

What We Offer

· Salary $115k–145k annually (based on skills and experience)

· Eligible for Quarterly Incentive (Bonus) Pay Program

· Comprehensive Benefits Package

o Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

o Short- & Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance

o Tuition Reimbursement

o 401(k) + Profit Sharing

o Paid Vacation