PROJECT MANAGER

Location: Wood Dale, IL (On-site)

About OPTO

OPTO designs and manufactures retail fixtures for domestic and international markets. We are a design-led company driven by innovation, a passion for helping our clients succeed, and communication. Our team applies creative thinking across customer proposals, product development, and operations to deliver tailored retail solutions. The excitement, innovation, and passion from all of our team members allows us to curate the best solutions for any retail environment.

With in-house engineering and a responsive, collaborative culture, we adapt quickly to customer needs and provide industry-leading speed and reliability, earning long-term partnerships through performance and trust.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Project Manager to lead retail fixture programs from kickoff through installation. This role serves as the central point of coordination between Design, Engineering, Estimating, Production, Installation, and the Client to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with OPTO standards. This position requires strong ownership, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to manage both custom and modular product applications within fast-paced retail rollout environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Own projects from Design through Engineering, production, and installation
• Lead internal kickoff meetings and define scope, timelines, and deliverables
• Develop and manage project schedules to meet client deadlines
• Track progress and proactively identify risks before they impact schedule or margin
• Ensure smooth handoffs between Design, Estimating, Engineering, Production, and Installation

Required Technical Skills

• 3–7 years of project management experience (retail, manufacturing, construction, or related industries preferred)
• Experience managing cross-functional teams
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Comfortable in fast-paced, custom environments
• Experience with manufacturing, millwork, metal fabrication, or retail fixture programs is strongly preferred
• Work closely with Engineering to ensure manufacturability and feasibility
• Partner with Production to align capacity and scheduling
• Coordinate installation logistics and field communication
• Ensure alignment with OPTO’s modular systems and product standards

Additional Skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication, able to convey timelines and deliverables across multiple departments (design/sales, production, purchasing)
• Confident client‐facing presence, with the ability to gather requirements, present solutions, and manage expectations
• Collaborative creative mindset, thrives in a team‐oriented culture and contributes to shared goals
• Outstanding organizational skills, versatile in managing multiple priorities, documenting processes, and maintaining rigorous version control
• Adaptable and proactive, embraces change, seeks continuous improvement, and drives innovation under tight deadlines
• Strong leadership and empathy, skilled at guiding teams through challenges, providingc onstructive feedback, and fostering professional growth

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with employer match, medical, dental, and vision insurance, AD&D and life insurance, and paid time off (PTO)
• Bonus Incentive program
• Casual office environment
• A diverse work experience where you can see projects come to life.  Starting with the inception of projects in marketing and business development, through the concept and development with our design and engineering teams, all the way to fabrication and final delivery to our customers

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

This position is based in an office environment. The role involves sitting and standing at a desk, frequent in-person and phone communication, and the regular use of standard office equipment, including phones and computers.

Accessibility Accommodation Statement:

OPTO is committed to providing qualified individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of their jobs. If you (or another applicant you know) require assistance accessing or reading this job posting or need accommodations during the application process, please contact careers@optosystem.com. OPTO will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to the application process in accordance with applicable state and federal law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

OPTO is an equal opportunity employer. OPTO prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.