Project Management Coordinator

About the role

The PMO Coordinator plays a crucial role within the Project Management Office (PMO) at Thorlabs, supporting critical transformation projects that align with the company's strategic vision. Reporting to senior project managers and leaders, this role offers extensive exposure to various strategic initiatives across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Aid in the creation and maintenance of project plans, schedules, RAID logs, and status reports.
• Provide management with timely and accurate project information, metrics, and reporting (e.g., dashboards, summary updates).
• Coordinate day-to-day project activities, including scheduling meetings, tracking action items, and following up with stakeholders.
• Communicate project outcomes, decisions, and next steps clearly and in a timely manner to relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and execution of change management and communication plans (e.g., stakeholder decks, FAQs, training announcements).
• Work with business partners to assess, track, and report on the financial and operational benefits of project efforts.
• Perform project tasks that may have limited established guidelines, using judgment to escalate questions or issues as needed.
• Provide basic training and guidance on project processes and tools; serve as a liaison to other departments where appropriate.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation, including technical summaries, case studies, and training materials.
• Support continuous improvement activities to address short- and long-term operational challenges.
• Assist in the development and documentation of process models and process maps.
• Help facilitate the setting of priorities, objectives, goals, and metrics for projects, and support ongoing monitoring and control.
• Ensure a project plan is documented, agreed, and maintained for assigned initiatives.
• Capture and share lessons learned and best practices from projects to support PMO maturity.

Requirements

• Experience with enterprise-wide and/or cross-functional large-scale initiatives with high degree of complexity preferred.
• Exposure to manufacturing, distribution, or technology environments is a plus.
• Entry level to 2 years' experience required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in business, industrial engineering, or related field of study or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Strong analytical skills (with six sigma/operations background preferred).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and worldwide entities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook); experience with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Planner, or similar) is a plus.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems preferred.
• Detail orientated.
• Strong ability to work independently.
• Sound judgment and strong decision-making skills appropriate to a junior level project role, with a willingness to escalate issues when needed.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills

• Must have strong analytical skills (with six sigma/operations background preferred).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and worldwide entities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook); experience with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Planner, or similar) is a plus.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems preferred.
• Detail orientated.
• Strong ability to work independently.
• Sound judgment and strong decision-making skills appropriate to a junior level project role, with a willingness to escalate issues when needed.

Pay and Benefits

The estimated pay range for this role is $66,000 - $ 70,000 annually. Thorlabs offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement.