Project Manager

Job Description

Project Manager – New Product Development (NPD)

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Location: Buffalo Grove, IL

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Salary: $130,000–$140,000 Base + 15% Bonus

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Hire Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time

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Travel: Approximately 15%

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About the Opportunity

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Sterling Engineering is partnering with a leading manufacturer in the transportation industry to hire an experienced Project Manager – New Product Development (NPD).

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This position will lead complex new product development and customized engineering projects from concept through manufacturing launch. The ideal candidate has a strong manufacturing background, proven project management experience, and the ability to drive cross-functional teams, manage competing priorities, and successfully deliver projects on time and within budget.

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This is a true project management role requiring someone who can take ownership, navigate challenges, and keep projects moving forward without direct authority over team members.

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What You'll Do

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• Manage 3–5 concurrent NPD and customer-driven engineering projects, ranging from six-month initiatives to multi-year programs.
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• Lead projects from initial concept and design through validation, manufacturing implementation, and post-launch support.
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• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, Quality, Finance, and customers.
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• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, resource plans, and deliverables.
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• Utilize project management tools, including work breakdown structures (WBS), risk matrices, RACI charts, and project timelines.
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• Identify project risks, resolve roadblocks, and implement corrective actions to maintain project progress.
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• Facilitate project meetings, communicate status updates, and present to leadership and customers.
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• Manage scope changes, customer expectations, and challenging project situations.
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• Support NPD Stage-Gate processes, APQP, and continuous improvement initiatives.
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• Identify opportunities to improve project management processes, tools, and execution.
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What We're Looking For

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• Bachelor's degree required; engineering degree preferred.
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• 8+ years of project management experience, ideally within manufacturing or engineering environments.
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• Hands-on experience managing new product development projects from concept through production launch.
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• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and cross-functional engineering projects.
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• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, schedules, risks, and resources simultaneously.
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• Experience leading and motivating teams without direct reporting authority.
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• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to navigate project roadblocks and difficult customer conversations.
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• Experience with NPD Stage-Gate processes and APQP.
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• Proficiency with Microsoft Project or Smartsheet, Excel, and PowerPoint.
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• Strong communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
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• PMP certification or Master's degree is a plus, but not required.
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Why Consider This Opportunity?

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• Lead innovative new product development projects within an established manufacturing organization.
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• Work closely with Engineering leadership and cross-functional teams.
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• Manage technically challenging projects involving advanced transportation and industrial technologies.
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• Competitive compensation with a 15% bonus opportunity.
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• Opportunity to influence project execution, improve processes, and drive successful product launches.
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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.