Senior Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Title : Senior Project Manager
Location : Minneapolis, MN
Hire Type : Direct Hire
Compensation : $120,000 to $140,000
Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, holiday pay, 401k

Senior Project Manager – Automation & Engineering Projects

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead complex engineering and automation projects from order through final customer acceptance. This role is responsible for full project ownership including scope, schedule, budget, risk management, and customer satisfaction across both Design Build (DB) and Build to Print (BTP) programs.

The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, technical project management expertise, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a fast-paced manufacturing and automation environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead complex automation, manufacturing, and engineering projects from kickoff through customer acceptance
• Own project scope, schedules, budgets, quality, and overall execution
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, and resource allocations
• Utilize stage-gate project management methodologies and internal systems to manage the full project lifecycle
• Identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and drive issue resolution
• Monitor project financial performance and implement corrective actions when needed

Customer & Contract Management

• Serve as the primary customer contact for project execution, timelines, deliverables, and issue resolution
• Build strong customer relationships and identify key decision makers throughout the organization
• Support technical discussions alongside engineering and technical teams
• Review contracts and ensure project deliverables and obligations are clearly understood and executed
• Ensure all customer-facing documentation is completed accurately and on time, including:
  • Functional Design Specifications
  • Acceptance Test Plans
  • Milestone documentation packages

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Engineering, Applications, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Assembly, Quality, and Customer Service teams
• Drive alignment on priorities, schedules, risks, and deliverables
• Support procurement and production readiness to ensure projects remain on schedule
• Coordinate successful project closeout and customer handoff activities

PMO & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to PMO and process improvement initiatives
• Help improve project management tools, systems, and best practices
• Maintain disciplined project reporting and documentation standards

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field
• 5+ years of experience managing complex engineering, manufacturing, automation, or industrial equipment projects
• PMP Certification required
• Proven experience managing both Design Build (DB) and Build to Print (BTP) projects
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, budgeting, contracts, and customer management
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority
• Excellent communication and customer-facing skills
• Experience managing technical discussions and project scope boundaries
• Proficiency with:
  • Microsoft Office
  • Smartsheet
  • ERP/MRP systems
• Knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities

Preferred:

• Experience in automation, electromechanical systems, or industrial equipment
• Familiarity with stage-gate project management systems
• Experience with Encompix ERP
• Ability to travel occasionally, including overnight travel

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.