Senior Project Manager

SUMMARY
The Senior Project Manager is responsible for leading the planning and execution of projects across our manufacturing plants. This role owns projects from concept, scope development and capital justification through design, procurement, installation, commissioning, training and closeout, ensuring they are delivered safely, on time and within budget. The Senior Project Manager serves as a strategic partner to plant managers, operations, maintenance, finance and the executive team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the planning and execution of capital and engineering projects from concept and scope definition through design, procurement, installation, commissioning and closeout.
Prepare capital justifications, project documentation and budget plans, including ROI calculations and financial comparisons of equipment proposals and design alternatives.
Develop and maintain integrated project plans, schedules and work breakdown structures covering scope, budget, resources, milestones and interdependencies.
Track project spend against budget
Identify, evaluate and mitigate project risks, and escalate issues to leadership in a timely manner.
Communicate project status, risks and decisions to key stakeholders at each phase of the project, including plant leadership and the executive team.
Lead cross-functional project teams across operations, maintenance, quality, finance, supply chain and external partners.
May need to select and manage contractors, equipment vendors and suppliers, including site visits, to ensure work is performed accurately, on time and within budget.
Drive safety improvements into project design to reduce ergonomic and other risk areas, and ensure compliance with applicable EHS requirements.
Provide expertise on manufacturing and facility improvements, new equipment and new product introduction.
Analyze and plan workflow, space requirements and equipment layouts to improve manufacturing efficiency.
Support operations through start-up and stabilization, and validate that projects deliver their expected financial and operational benefits.
Identify cost savings opportunities and collaborate with suppliers and vendors to lower costs through engineering solutions.
Develop, improve and communicate project management standards, templates, SOPs and work instructions for project execution.
Maintain project documentation, including drawings, specifications, revisions and closeout records.
Support continuous improvement and lean initiatives across plants.
Mentor project teams; other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

Proven ability to manage multiple, multi-level projects from start to finish
Proficiency with project scheduling tools (MS Project or equivalent) and MS Excel; SolidWorks or other CAD software preferred
Strong financial skills, including budgeting, ROI analysis and cost control
Experience in manufacturing, manufacturing processes, equipment, plant utilities and facility systems
Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and oral and written communication skills
Excellent organizational, analytical, risk management and problem-solving skills
Ability to influence and work effectively in a team environment across multiple plants
Willingness to travel to plant, vendor and contractor sites as required

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

BS in Engineering (mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, electrical or related field) with a minimum of eight (8) years of manufacturing experience, including at least three (3) years managing projects
PMP certification preferred
Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt desirable
Plastics manufacturing experience desirable
Continuous Improvement background desirable

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.