Project Manager - Manufacturing Operations & Customer Programs

Company Overview

Excel Manufacturing is a family-owned CNC machining and manufacturing company focused on delivering high-quality machined components and responsive customer support. As a growing small business, we are looking for a hands-on Project Manager who can bridge communication between customers, suppliers, internal production teams, and leadership to help drive projects from quote through delivery.

This is not a traditional corporate-only project management role. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, proactive, customer-focused, and comfortable managing a wide range of operational, supply chain, inventory, purchasing, and customer service responsibilities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Position Summary

The Project Manager will oversee customer programs, coordinate production-related activities, manage supplier and customer communication, and support daily operational flow throughout the organization. This role requires strong follow-up, problem-solving, and communication skills while working closely with purchasing, inventory, production, quality, shipping, and company leadership.

The successful candidate must be able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining strong customer relationships and ensuring projects remain on schedule.

Key Responsibilities

Customer & Program Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for customer communication and project coordination.
• Manage customer requests, schedule updates, and follow-up activities.
• Coordinate customer meetings, conference calls, Zoom, and Teams meetings.
• Monitor customer demand changes, inventory levels, and delivery expectations.
• Assist with past-due order updates and customer reporting.
• Track program status, project milestones, engineering changes, and open action items.
• Support launch activities for new parts and customer programs.
• Help manage EDI order reviews, customer releases, and demand fluctuations.
• Maintain strong customer relationships through responsive communication and issue resolution.

Project & Operational Coordination

• Coordinate activities between production, quality, purchasing, inventory, and shipping.
• Monitor hot jobs, material flow, production priorities, and schedule risks.
• Identify bottlenecks and escalate issues impacting delivery or production.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization.
• Assist leadership with tracking operational performance and project progress.
• Create and maintain project documentation, trackers, and reports.
• Monitor inventory concerns including inactive inventory, excess finished goods, and material shortages.
• Help manage change requests and customer-driven updates.

Purchasing & Supply Chain Support

• Coordinate conflict mineral reporting requests and supplier documentation collection.
• Support customer compliance reporting related to free trade agreements (USMCA/NAFTA), country of origin, and trade compliance documentation.
• Assist with customer diversity reporting requirements including supplier diversity tracking and documentation.
• Maintain customer and supplier compliance records and reporting deadlines.
• Coordinate with suppliers to obtain compliance certifications, declarations, and supporting documentation as required by customers.
• Support RFQ preparation and quote follow-up activities.
• Coordinate with suppliers regarding purchase orders, delivery timing, and material availability.
• Monitor casting, hardware, and outsourced component orders.
• Assist with supplier communication regarding quality or delivery concerns.
• Review minimum order quantities (MOQ), inventory levels, and purchasing requirements.
• Support customs, tariff tracking, and supplier documentation activities.
• Assist with vendor portals and customer/supplier compliance requirements.

ERP System & Data Management

• Enter and maintain new parts, jobs, pricing, sales orders, purchase pricing, and cost data within the ERP system.
• Review ERP system reports for inventory, job analysis, and production tracking.
• Monitor inventory accuracy and assist with inventory adjustments as needed.
• Maintain accurate project records, scheduling data, and customer information.
• Generate reports and provide updates to management and customers.

Cross-Functional Support

• Work closely with quality, manufacturing, shipping, and accounting teams.
• Assist with investigations related to production, inventory, or quality concerns.
• Support leadership with special projects and operational initiatives.
• Help ensure customer requirements are communicated clearly throughout the organization.
• Participate in continuous improvement and process development activities.

Qualifications

• 3 years of project management, customer service, operations coordination, supply chain, or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Manufacturing, CNC machining, automotive, industrial, or supplier management experience strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and follow-up skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across departments.
• Detail-oriented with strong time management skills.
• Professional communication skills with customers and suppliers.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting OEM or Tier 1/Tier 2 manufacturing customers.
• Knowledge of inventory management, purchasing, or production scheduling.
• Familiarity with EDI systems and customer portals.
• Experience in small business or fast-paced manufacturing environments.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, machining, or supply chain operations.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Health insurance and benefits package
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunity for growth within a family-owned manufacturing company
• Collaborative team environment
• Direct involvement in customer programs and operational decision-making

Schedule

• Full-time
• Monday through Friday
• On-site position