PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT MANAGER

For over a century Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company has been manufacturing pipe and fittings exclusively in the USA, employing 1,400 loyal, hard-working Americans. Today we manufacture the industry's broadest range of standard and specialty DWV products, including cast iron and plastic pipe and fittings.

Charlotte Pipe is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and has seven plant locations across the United States.

Product Development Project Manager

Position Summary

The Product Development Project Manager supports the development, commercialization, and continuous improvement of new products and Product Improvement/Line Extension (PILE) initiatives that align with Charlotte Pipe and Foundry's strategic objectives. This role is responsible for coordinating cross-functional projects, managing product development processes, maintaining project documentation, and ensuring products are successfully commercialized on time and within budget. The Product Development Project Manager collaborates closely with Technical Services, Engineering, Operations, Sales, Marketing, and other stakeholders to drive innovation and operational excellence throughout the product lifecycle.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Product Development

• Support the planning, administration, and continuous improvement of the company's product development process.
• Coordinate Product Development Committee (PDC) activities, including agenda preparation, meeting materials, presentations, meeting minutes, and action item tracking.
• Maintain product development documentation and ensure adherence to established stage-gate processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve product development procedures, workflows, and documentation standards.
• Assist in evaluating new product concepts and commercialization opportunities aligned with company strategy.

Project Management

• Develop, maintain, and improve project plans, timelines, and implementation tools supporting product commercialization.
• Manage assigned product development projects through all stages of the development process.
• Coordinate cross-functional project teams to ensure milestones, deliverables, budgets, and timelines are achieved.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and escalate issues as needed to ensure successful project execution.
• Maintain complete and accurate project documentation, records, and communication files.
• Track project costs, capital expenditures, and internal project orders while coordinating with Accounting and Finance teams as required.
• Support successful product launches by ensuring all commercialization requirements are completed.

Product Improvement and Line Extensions (PILE)

• Manage assigned PILE projects from concept through commercialization.
• Prepare project proposals, specifications, business cases, and supporting documentation as required.
• Coordinate project activities and ensure assigned PILE initiatives meet established objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• Monitor project performance and support post-launch evaluations and continuous improvement efforts.

Product Support

• Provide technical product support to internal and external customers in accordance with approved product specifications, technical documentation, and installation guidelines.
• Respond to technical inquiries and collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to provide accurate and timely product information.
• Support Sales, Customer Service, and Marketing teams by providing technical expertise related to new and existing products.
• Assist with training, presentations, and product education initiatives for customers and internal teams.

Process Improvement and Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement efforts within product development, project management, and commercialization processes.
• Create and maintain standardized project templates, workflows, documentation, and reporting tools.
• Develop project metrics and reporting to improve visibility, accountability, and decision-making.
• Promote consistency, efficiency, and compliance across all project management activities.
• Support organizational initiatives focused on innovation, quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

Team and Organizational Support

• Facilitate project meetings and lead cross-functional discussions to ensure alignment and progress.
• Build effective working relationships with Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, and other business functions.
• Maintain accurate travel schedules, expense reports, and administrative records in accordance with company policies.
• Promote safe work practices and support company initiatives related to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Required

• Associate degree or higher in Business, Engineering, Project Management, Technical Studies, or a related field.
• Relevant project management, product development, technical support, or business experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Experience coordinating projects, processes, or cross-functional initiatives.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• New Product Development Professional (NPDP) certification.
• Experience supporting new product development, product commercialization, manufacturing, or technical product environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings and lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
• Process-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Project or comparable project management tools.
• Ability to interpret and communicate technical information effectively.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaboration with internal stakeholders.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based environment with regular interaction across manufacturing, technical, and business functions.
• Periodic visits to manufacturing facilities, laboratories, customer locations, and project sites.
• Regular use of computers, project management systems, and standard office equipment.
• Travel required based on project, customer, and business needs.
• Occasional extended hours may be required to support project deadlines, product launches, or business priorities.

 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.