Senior Project Manager - Technical Manufacturing

Job Title: Senior Project Manager - Technical Manufacturing

Location: Milwaukee WI (Onsite)

Employment Type: Full-Time Direct Salaried Employee Hire with Comprehensive Benefits

Industry: Manufacturing

Compensation: Open salary + 10% BONUS

Schedule: Onsite , Monday-Friday Normal business hours

Relocation Assistance Available

Acara Solutions is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager for Technical Manufacturing to join our client, a leader in advanced industrial technology solutions (power electronics). This is an exciting opportunity to lead new product development initiatives while partnering with engineering, manufacturing, and customer teams to deliver innovative products from concept through production.

About the Opportunity:

The Senior Project Manager will lead multiple Research & Development (R&D) and New Product Development (NPD) projects, driving execution from initial customer requirements through design, manufacturing, and product delivery. This individual will coordinate cross-functional teams, manage project schedules and budgets, mitigate risks, and ensure projects are completed on time while meeting quality and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute project plans supporting Research & Development (R&D), New Product Development (NPD), and engineering design initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional teams consisting of Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and other key stakeholders.
• Partner with customers to gather project requirements and ensure they are translated into engineering and manufacturing specifications.
• Monitor project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, and deliverables throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Communicate project status, milestones, budget performance, risks, and corrective actions to internal leadership and customers.
• Utilize project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Microsoft Planner, or similar platforms to manage project execution.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation plans to ensure successful delivery.
• Monitor project budgets and provide visibility into cost performance and schedule deviations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce development cycle times and improve project execution.
• Develop and improve project management processes, documentation, and best practices.
• Build strong working relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain a strong focus on customer satisfaction while balancing technical, schedule, and business objectives.

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical discipline
• Five (5) years minimum of project management that includes significant experience supporting the entire new product development (NPD) process, including research & development (R&D), engineering, manufacturing, to client.

What Sets You Apart:

• Experience managing project schedules, budgets, scope, and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects.
• Experience supporting power electronics, industrial equipment, automation, electrical systems, or related technologies.
• Proficiency with project management software (Microsoft Project, Microsoft Planner, or similar).
• Experience working with ERP systems in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.