Head of Project Management

Project ManagerThis Project Manager role focuses on leading tooling and industrial equipment procurement and installation projects within a manufacturing environment. You will manage end-to-end execution of capital equipment and tooling installations and upgrades, ensuring that projects align with production requirements, budgets, and timelines. The position sits within Manufacturing/Engineering at a large plant in Virginia and requires close collaboration with engineering, operations, maintenance, and external suppliers.ResponsibilitiesDevelop detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets for tooling and industrial equipment projects, ensuring alignment with production needs and capital expenditure requirements.Lead end-to-end execution of tooling and industrial equipment installation and upgrade projects from concept through commissioning and handover to operations.Coordinate cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, maintenance, and suppliers, to ensure smooth project execution and minimal disruption to production.Identify project risks, issues, and dependencies, and implement effective mitigation strategies to keep projects on schedule and within budget.Source, evaluate, and select suppliers for tooling and industrial equipment, ensuring they meet technical specifications, quality standards, and delivery requirements.Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery terms with vendors to achieve cost-effective procurement and favorable commercial conditions.Manage vendor relationships throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring adherence to specifications, timelines, and quality expectations.Oversee the installation, testing, and commissioning of industrial equipment and tooling, coordinating activities with plant personnel and external contractors.Ensure all installation and commissioning activities comply with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal procedures.Validate equipment performance after installation, confirming that systems meet manufacturing process requirements before handover to operations.Manage capital projects related to tooling and industrial equipment, including tracking Capex, monitoring project costs, and ensuring adherence to approved budgets.Prepare and deliver regular project status reports and updates to stakeholders and leadership, highlighting progress, risks, and corrective actions.Drive continuous improvement in project execution, installation processes, and cost efficiency, leveraging lessons learned and best practices.Ensure effective coordination with suppliers and vendors during equipment installation and commissioning, resolving technical and scheduling issues promptly.Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to align equipment specifications with process requirements and long-term production strategies.Essential SkillsBachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.5+ years of project management experience in manufacturing or industrial environments.Proven expertise in tooling and industrial equipment procurement and installation, including managing capital projects.Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and equipment specifications relevant to industrial installations.Demonstrated experience coordinating tooling and equipment installation projects, including supplier and vendor coordination.Proficiency in project management tools such as MS Project, SAP, or similar systems.Strong vendor management capabilities, including relationship management and performance oversight.Effective communication skills, with the ability to present project status, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders at various levels.Strong leadership abilities to guide cross-functional teams and drive projects to successful completion.Ability to manage Capex and capital project budgets, track costs, and ensure financial compliance.Solid understanding of safety and regulatory requirements related to industrial equipment installation and commissioning.Additional Skills & QualificationsPMP or equivalent project management certification is preferred.Experience in large-scale capital equipment projects within a plant or industrial setting.Experience driving continuous improvement in project execution, cost efficiency, and installation processes.Ability to build collaborative relationships across engineering, operations, maintenance, and supplier organizations.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.Attention to detail in reviewing technical specifications, contracts, and project documentation.Work EnvironmentThis role is based on-site at Plant 2 at the manufacturing facility in Virginia within a Manufacturing/Engineering department. You will work primarily in a plant environment, interacting closely with production areas, engineering offices, and equipment installation zones. The position involves regular collaboration with cross-functional plant teams and external suppliers, and may require presence on the shop floor during installation, testing, and commissioning activities. Standard business hours are expected, with flexibility during critical project phases such as equipment installation and start-up. Project management tools such as MS Project and SAP are used to plan, track, and report on projects. Safety standards and regulatory requirements guide all activities in the facility, and adherence to plant safety protocols and appropriate industrial attire is required when working in production or installation areas.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Dublin, VA.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Dublin, VA.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 2026.We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.