Production Innovation - Project Manager

The Innovation Project Manager is responsible for leading the evaluation, development, and implementation of innovative processes, technologies, and operational improvements that drive efficiency, scalability, and productivity across the organization. This role serves as the bridge between operations, engineering, technology, manufacturing, and field teams to identify opportunities, manage pilot programs, and deliver enterprise-wide solutions.
Based in our Atlanta Production Innovation Center, this individual will lead cross-functional initiatives from concept through execution while ensuring projects align with strategic business objectives, operational excellence goals, and ROI expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Innovation Strategy & Project Leadership

Lead innovation projects from ideation, business case development, pilot execution, and full-scale deployment.
Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, safety, and operational performance through process improvements and emerging technologies.
Develop project charters, schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and implementation plans.
Drive alignment among stakeholders and project teams to ensure successful execution and adoption.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

Partner with operations, engineering, production, and technology teams to evaluate current workflows and identify improvement opportunities.
Analyze operational data and performance metrics to support decision-making and measure project success.
Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies to optimize processes and reduce waste.
Establish and monitor KPIs to measure innovation impact and business outcomes.

Technology Evaluation & Implementation

Research and assess emerging technologies that support production, manufacturing, and field execution improvements.
Coordinate testing, validation, and pilot programs for new tools, equipment, software, and automation solutions.
Collaborate with vendors, internal subject matter experts, and external partners to implement innovative solutions.
Develop implementation roadmaps and change management strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with business leaders, engineers, production personnel, and field teams to prioritize innovation initiatives.
Facilitate workshops, brainstorming sessions, and project review meetings.
Communicate project status, risks, and results to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
Build strong partnerships to drive organizational adoption and long-term sustainability of implemented solutions.

Change Management & Adoption

Support training, communication, and change management efforts associated with new processes and technologies.
Develop documentation, standard operating procedures, and best practices.
Monitor post-implementation performance and drive continuous optimization efforts.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Manufacturing, Business, Technology, or a related field.
5+ years of project management experience leading operational, technology, manufacturing, engineering, or innovation initiatives.
Demonstrated success managing cross-functional projects from concept through implementation.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience utilizing data to drive decisions.
Experience developing project schedules, budgets, risk mitigation plans, and executive presentations.
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

PMP certification or equivalent project management certification.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Experience with manufacturing, production environments, industrial automation, robotics, AI, digital transformation, BIM/VDC, IoT, or emerging technologies.
Experience leading pilot programs and enterprise-wide implementation efforts.
Familiarity with continuous improvement, operational excellence, and innovation frameworks.