What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Project Manager position at Sterling Engineering?
Title: Manufacturing Project Manager – New Product Development (NPD)
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Salary: $120,000–$140,000 Bonus Potential
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k), bonus potential, and additional long-term career growth opportunities.
Sterling Engineering is partnering with a growing manufacturing organization in the Buffalo Grove area to hire a Project Manager – NPD. This role will lead complex new product development and customer-driven engineering projects from concept through production launch while coordinating cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, sales, and leadership. The team is looking for a strong project leader with experience managing multiple large-scale projects within a manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead multiple new product development and customer-driven engineering projects from concept through production launch
- Manage project timelines, budgets, milestones, risk mitigation plans, and overall project execution
- Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, sales, and finance
- Serve as the primary point of communication for project stakeholders and customers
- Drive project meetings, status updates, action items, and accountability across teams
- Support NPD stage gate processes, APQP activities, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Manage project scope changes and help resolve technical or scheduling roadblocks
- Work closely with customers and internal leadership teams throughout the project lifecycle
- Help ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with quality expectations
- Utilize project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, risk matrices, and work breakdown structures
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Engineering or a related technical field
- Must have 8 years of project management experience within manufacturing or production
- Must have 2 years of experience with new product development projects
- Experience managing multiple projects at varying stages and timelines simultaneously
- Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
- Experience with Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or similar project management software preferred
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity
Salary : $120,000 - $140,000