Manufacturing Project Manager

Title: Manufacturing Project Manager – New Product Development (NPD)

Location : Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Salary: $120,000–$140,000 + Bonus Potential

Hire Type : Direct Hire

Benefits : 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 launch
• Manage project timelines, budgets, milestones, risk mitigation plans, and overall project execution
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, sales, and finance
• Serve as the primary point of communication for project stakeholders and customers
• Drive project meetings, status updates, action items, and accountability across teams
• Support NPD stage gate processes, APQP activities, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Manage project scope changes and help resolve technical or scheduling roadblocks
• Work closely with customers and internal leadership teams throughout the project lifecycle
• Help ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with quality expectations
• Utilize project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, risk matrices, and work breakdown structures

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Engineering or a related technical field
• Must have 8+ years of project management experience within manufacturing or production
• Must have 2+ years of experience with new product development projects
• Experience managing multiple projects at varying stages and timelines simultaneously
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Experience with Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or similar project management software preferred

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity