Project Manager - New Product Development

Title: Project Manager – New Product Development (NPD)Location: Buffalo Grove, IL 60089Salary: $120,000–$140,000 + Bonus PotentialHire Type: Direct HireBenefits: 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 launchManage project timelines, budgets, milestones, risk mitigation plans, and overall project executionCoordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, sales, and financeServe as the primary point of communication for project stakeholders and customersDrive project meetings, status updates, action items, and accountability across teamsSupport NPD stage gate processes, APQP activities, and continuous improvement initiativesManage project scope changes and help resolve technical or scheduling roadblocksWork closely with customers and internal leadership teams throughout the project lifecycleHelp ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with quality expectationsUtilize project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, risk matrices, and work breakdown structuresQualifications:Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Engineering or a related technical fieldMust have 8+ years of project management experience within manufacturing or productionMust have 2+ years of experience with new product development projectsExperience managing multiple projects at varying stages and timelines simultaneouslyStrong communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teamsExperience with Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or similar project management software preferredQualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity