Project Manager

About the role

This role leads the coordination and execution of manufacturing capital projects, partnering closely with Project Managers and Manufacturing Engineering to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. The Project Manager plays a key role in project governance, contractor coordination, and cross-functional alignment from design through installation and ramp-up. This is a hands-on, execution-focused position with ownership of project tracking, timelines, and communication across multiple large-scale initiatives, offering strong long-term growth and the opportunity to expand both career and technical skillsets.

The role operates within a manufacturing environment, supporting capital projects, equipment installation, and plant expansion initiatives. You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams, as well as external vendors and contractors, in a fast-paced setting where multiple large-scale projects run in parallel. The position relies heavily on digital tools such as Microsoft Office, advanced Excel, and project management platforms like MS Project or Smartsheet to manage schedules, budgets, and reporting. The organization is growing and expanding, offering a dynamic environment with significant long-term growth opportunities and a strong focus on building skills and advancing your career.

Responsibilities

• Lead coordination across multiple manufacturing capital projects and sub-projects from initial design through installation and ramp-up.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables across engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to ensure on-time and on-budget execution.
• Partner closely with Project Managers and Manufacturing Engineering to drive successful project execution through each phase of the project lifecycle.
• Track project progress using structured tools and reports, identify risks early, and proactively drive issue resolution and escalation when needed.
• Own and maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project charters, schedules, budgets, and status reports.
• Support the development and management of requests for quotation (RFQs), vendor selection activities, and coordination of contractors for capital projects.
• Ensure strong alignment and communication across Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and external contractors throughout project execution.
• Facilitate regular project meetings, drive accountability among stakeholders, and keep cross-functional teams focused on key milestones and deliverables.
• Support equipment installation and expansion initiatives within the plant, coordinating resources and timelines to minimize disruption to operations.
• Build and maintain Excel-based trackers, budgets, and project reporting tools to provide clear visibility into project status and performance.
• Utilize project management tools such as MS Project or Smartsheet to plan, schedule, and monitor project activities and dependencies.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve project coordination processes and support implementation of best practices in capital project management.

Requirements

• 3–8+ years of experience in project coordination, project engineering, or manufacturing/industrial projects.
• Experience managing or supporting capital projects, preferably in the multi-million-dollar range.
• Strong understanding of project timelines, budgets, and execution in a manufacturing or industrial context.
• Demonstrated experience with contractor and vendor coordination for capital or manufacturing projects.
• Advanced Excel skills, including the ability to build trackers, budgets, and project reporting tools.
• Hands-on experience with project management tools such as MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar platforms.
• Proven ability to manage timelines, follow-ups, and multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a focus on accurate documentation and tracking.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to lead cross-functional coordination among engineering, manufacturing, operations, and external partners.
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination or project management within manufacturing or capital project environments.
• Comfort working in an execution-focused, hands-on project role with ownership of tracking, reporting, and communication.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience working in a manufacturing or plant environment.
• Background in manufacturing, industrial engineering, or equipment installation.
• Exposure to Lean methodologies or process improvement concepts.
• Experience as an assistant project manager, project engineer, or similar project-focused role.
• Familiarity with manufacturing capital projects and expansion initiatives.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a growing organization and motivation to develop advanced project management and technical skills.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year. 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.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching: Match 100% of your first 6% contribution.
• After a 60-day waiting period, Nidec will contribute an additional 3% as long as you contribute 6%.
• Fully vested after 5 years.

Schedule

This is a permanent, fully onsite position based in Lexington, TN.