Project Manager

Project Manager – Lathe & Grinding Machine Manufacturing

Chicago / Elgin Area | Capital Equipment | Engineered-to-Order Systems

Why This Role

• Base salary range: $90,000–$120,000 , depending on experience

• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

• 401(k) with 100% company match up to 5%

• Short- and Long-Term Disability

• Life insurance

• 11 paid company holidays

• Paid Time Off

• Stable global manufacturer with approximately $225M in revenue and 700+ employees worldwide

• High-visibility role working closely with machines, engineering, manufacturing, and customers

Company Overview

We are partnered with a global manufacturer of precision industrial machine tools , with manufacturing and sales operations in the United States, Switzerland, and China . The company designs and delivers custom, engineered-to-order lathe and grinding machine systems for customers with demanding accuracy, performance, and reliability requirements.

Position Overview

The Project Manager oversees and manages all phases of manufacturing projects , from initial customer engagement through final delivery and installation. This role requires strong organizational skills, technical understanding of lathe and grinding machine manufacturing , and the ability to coordinate across multiple departments and stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope and budget, and to the highest quality standards .

Project Managers who are most successful in this role typically bring prior hands-on machine experience (assembly, applications, manufacturing engineering, or field service). An engineering background is a plus , but practical machine knowledge is equally valued.

Reports to: Senior Project Manager

Location:
Chicago / Elgin area. Regular onsite presence is important for success.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Coordination

• Utilize MS Project to develop comprehensive project plans based on project quotes, clearly defining scope, timelines, resources, and deliverables

• Coordinate with engineering, operations, supply chain, and sales to align project goals and schedules

• Manage project budgets, ensuring effective cost control and efficient resource allocation

Client Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for customers throughout the project lifecycle

• Conduct regular customer meetings and status updates to communicate progress and address concerns

• Ensure client requirements and expectations are clearly defined and work with internal teams to ensure they are met

Project Execution

• Oversee the production and assembly of machine tool systems , ensuring compliance with technical specifications and quality standards

• Apply project management tools and methodologies to track progress and resolve issues

• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies

• Monitor milestones and deliverables to ensure performance and quality objectives are achieved

• Prepare and present project status reports and final project evaluations to senior management

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor cross-functional project team members

• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and productive work environment

• Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively to ensure timely project execution

Background & Experience (Flexible by Design)

• Experience in machine tools, capital equipment, or complex industrial machinery

• Hands-on technical background strongly preferred (machine assembly, applications engineering, manufacturing engineering, field service, or similar)

• Project management experience in custom or engineered-to-order environments

• Engineering background is a plus , not a requirement

• Proficiency with MS Project or similar scheduling tools

• Strong communication skills with both customers and internal technical teams

There is no strict minimum education requirement . Practical experience, technical credibility, and the ability to manage complex machine projects are the primary success factors.

Travel Expectations

Travel varies by customer and project:

• Some projects require periodic travel

• Others may involve minimal or no travel for extended periods

• Travel is project-driven less than 20% overall.