Project Manager

About the role

Blue Ops, a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is looking for a Project Manager with experience managing complex projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The Project Manager will develop the project plan and manage activities for a specific project from concept, through to production and release, and on to end of product life. This position will facilitate relationships with all of the internal and external team members involved in the product development process. An element of this role will be to create and maintain the overarching Synchronized Business Planning (SBP) process with the Blue Ops leadership teams. Examples of projects are new product development programs, manufacturing automation, new process development, new manufacturing capacity programs, and annual production planning.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage the critical project management processes — timelines, charter, milestone reviews and signoffs, etc.
• Act as the primary point of contact driving collaboration between engineering, marketing, business development, Human Resources, IT, supply chain, and executive teams to ensure seamless product development, positioning, and promotion. Do this through active management of the projects and the SBP model for Blue Ops.
• Ensure the readiness of market launch plans for new products while effectively balancing customer and business needs when phasing out legacy products.
• Support new product introduction activities with engineering and operations and ensure alignment with the Go-to-Market plans.
• Craft the project scope to align customer mission requirements, business requirements, and product specifications for Program Management, Engineering, and Operations teams.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis in collaboration with marketing, sales and the Red Cat program management team; gather customer insights and track competitor movements to identify opportunities for growth.
• Review product performance metrics and take action to address issues and/or opportunities; communicate product status to relevant stakeholders as necessary.
• Support fiscal year budgeting for product line R&D and sustainment activities and hold budget accountability for the respective product line.
• Guide continuous improvement and seek opportunities to drive initiatives in product development, manufacturing, cost efficiency, and quality assurance.
• Manage product and process change programs across the enterprise; ensure BOMs, production schedules, manufacturing plans, sales plans, etc. all align with any product or process change.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a technical environment, managing complex initiatives, with a strong track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven track record of taking ownership and driving results — a self-starter and self-directed leader who can lead with rapid agility to deal with shifting priorities and timelines.
• Experience in both R&D and product sustainment activities.
• Strong critical thinking skills, demonstrated ability to analyze and break down problems into components.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to collaborate with stakeholders with a broad variety of technical competencies.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests.
• ERP and materials management technologies expertise.
• Strong relationship-based collaboration skills to work with suppliers and internal partners.
• Knowledge and relationships in the marine, aerospace, military or automotive industry.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work safely.
• Confident computer skills to use Microsoft solutions.
• Knowledge of AS9100, ISO9001, or similar quality systems.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with Lean-ISO, OSHA and other manufacturing management practices.
• Experience with Defense products and customers.
• Experience supporting DoD or regulated production environments.
• Familiarity with export regulations (ITAR/EAR), hazardous materials, and shipping documentation.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer, attending meetings, or conducting presentations.
• Manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment effectively.
• Clear vision and focus for reading documents, analyzing data, and reviewing product specifications.
• Ability to travel occasionally (as required) to customer sites, industry events, or company locations.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of materials, product samples, or documentation (up to 20 lbs).
• Ability to move between office settings, manufacturing environments, and test areas as needed.
• Strong verbal communication skills for presentations, discussions, and customer interactions.
• Capacity to work in a high-paced environment, managing multiple projects and priorities with extended periods of focus.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

Compensation

Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.