Project Manager

Project Manager – Strategic InitiativesOnsite: Wood Dale, IL Salary: $100,600.00 - $111,400.00 Position overview: The Project Manager is responsible for leading cross-functional initiatives that support Optimas' strategic priorities and operational objectives. This role partners closely with teams across Commercial, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, IT, and Continuous Improvement to successfully execute projects that enhance operational performance, improve customer experience and drive cost efficiency. This role ensures initiatives are delivered on schedule, within defined scope, and aligned with business expectations. The Project Manager plays a key role in initiative planning, execution, risk management and stakeholder communication while reinforcing PMO standards, tools and methodologies. The Project Manager collaborates with functional teams and PMO leadership to translate business needs into actionable project plans and provide clear visibility into project timelines, milestones, risks and overall health.*ONLY LOCAL CANDIDATES WILL BE CONSIDERED AND RECEIVE A RESPONSE* **SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE IS NOT AVAILABLE* ***WE WILL NOT BE WORKING WITH STAFFING FIRMS ON THIS ROLE**Key Responsibilities Initiative Execution & DeliveryLead assigned projects from initiation through implementation, stabilization and post-launch support, ensuring successful delivery against defined objectivesPartner with functional stakeholders to clearly define project scope, objectives, timelines, deliverables and measurable success criteriaDevelop and maintain visible detailed project plans including milestones, dependencies, and resource needsMonitor project progress against plan, proactively identifying and mitigating risks, managing issues and addressing constraints to maintain momentumCoordinate cross-functional activities to ensure alignment on priorities, deliverables and timelines, adjusting plans as needed to meet evolving business needsStakeholder Communication & AlignmentFacilitate effective project governance through structured meetings such as design sessions, working sessions and executive status reviewsProvide clear, consistent, and actionable project updates to stakeholders and PMO leadership, highlighting progress, risks, dependencies and decisions neededProactively escalate risks, scope changes, timeline impacts or resource constraints with recommended mitigation strategiesBuild strong relationships across stakeholder groups to ensure alignment on project goals, priorities and delivery expectationsProject Intake & Planning SupportSupport structured intake, prioritization and discovery processes to evaluate and define new project opportunitiesAssist in gathering and documenting business requirements, success metrics and high-level solution approachesPartner with functional teams to confirm technical feasibility and resource availabilityContribute to development of realistic project timelines, resource plans and implementation strategies aligned to business prioritiesRisk & Issue ManagementIdentify, assess, and prioritize project risks, developing mitigation and contingency plans to minimize impactDrive issue resolution through collaboration with functional teamsCommunicate risk status, trends and mitigation progress to stakeholders and leadership in a clear and concise mannerMaintain and regularly update risk and issue logs, ensuring transparency and accountability for resolutionImplementation & Adoption SupportSupport development of training materials, documentation, and process updatesDevelop and Coordinate implementation or readiness activitiesPartner with business stakeholders to ensure smooth transition to operational ownership following go-liveParticipate in post-implementation reviews, capturing lessons learned and identifying opportunities for continuous improvementPMO Standards & MethodologyApply established PMO standards, methodologies, templates and governance practices to ensure consistent project executionMaintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation, including plans, status reports and decision logsSupport PMO reporting and portfolio visibility processesQualificationsBachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field required; advanced degree (MBA or similar) is a plus5+ years of project coordination or project management experiencePMP or equivalent certification preferred, with demonstrated application of project management principles and methodologiesProven experience working across business functions such as Supply Chain, Operations, Commercial, Finance, or ITExperience working in distribution, supply chain, manufacturing, or industrial environmentsExposure to ERP, CRM, or other enterprise system implementations or enhancementsExperience with project management tools (Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, or similar)Core CompetenciesStrong organization and planning skillsEffective meeting facilitationClear written and verbal communicationProblem solving and critical thinkingCollaboration and relationship buildingTime management and prioritizationAdaptability in fast-paced environmentsTo Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Optimas does not accept unsolicited CVs or applications from agencies. Optimas is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs or applications and explicitly reserve its right to contact candidates presented in such unsolicited CV or application. Optimas OE Solutions provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Optimas OE Solutions complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.