Junior Project Manager - Manufacturing Operations Support

Location: North Aurora, IL

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Reports To: VP Operations

Job Summary

The Junior Project Manager – Manufacturing Operations Support provides project coordination and execution support for manufacturing and operations initiatives. This role focuses on managing assigned project tasks, timelines, and deliverables, while also supporting basic reporting and operational tracking to assist the broader sales and operations teams.

This position is execution‑focused, with limited analytical responsibilities intended to support decision‑making—not to independently define strategy, pricing, or KPI frameworks. The role is well‑suited for an early‑career professional seeking exposure to project management within an industrial manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Coordination

• Support assigned manufacturing and operations projects from initiation through completion
• Maintain project schedules, task lists, and milestone tracking
• Coordinate with internal teams to support timely execution of project deliverables
• Track project risks, dependencies, and issues and escalate as appropriate
• Prepare routine project status updates for leadership and stakeholders

Operational & Reporting Support

• Assist with the collection and organization of sales and operational data
• Support basic reporting and dashboard updates using existing templates and tools
• Help track agreed‑upon operational metrics and performance indicators
• Compile data for management review; does not own KPI definition or strategy

Cross‑Functional Support

• Act as a coordination point between sales, operations, and production teams for assigned initiatives
• Support order flow coordination and documentation from sales through operations
• Assist with internal and customer project communications as directed

Continuous Improvement & General Support

• Support continuous improvement initiatives through documentation, tracking, and follow‑up
• Maintain accurate records related to project timelines, actions, and outcomes
• Perform other related duties consistent with a junior project management role

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field preferred
• 1–3 years of experience in project coordination, manufacturing support, or operations roles
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; experience using templates and reports
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
• Detail‑oriented with a willingness to learn and grow within the role

The Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs.