Project Manager

About the role

At Steven Douglas Corp (SDC) we design and build custom, automated machines used in a wide variety of applications and industries. We work in a fast-paced, exciting, and highly technical environment where our team never designs the same machine twice and is often challenged with solving problems with no standard solution. A Project Manager (PM) at SDC guides each assigned project—including large (> $5M) multi-cell systems—through internal departments from kick-off to close-out. PMs act as the liaison between the client and the SDC team, ensuring each project is delivered on budget and on time. Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to build strong relationships with clients and internal teams. A technical background is a plus but not required.

Why join us

• Customer Relationships: Build strong partnerships with clients to bring their vision to life.
• Collaborative Environment: Work closely with sales, project management, engineering, and build teams to deliver a seamless experience.
• Family-Owned Culture: Experience a supportive and agile environment that values relationships, teamwork, and personal growth.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the company, customers, and vendors, building trust and addressing questions, concerns, and requests in a timely, professional manner.
• Lead and motivate an interdepartmental team to complete assigned projects on time, on budget, and to specifications with accuracy and efficiency.
• Manage changing responsibilities, project prioritization, and workload adjustments by effectively communicating changes to project scope, schedule, and costs to all involved.
• Measure project performance, keep all stakeholders informed of progress, and proactively communicate any variances or corrective actions needed.
• Keep the project plan accurate and updated.
• Partner with our engineering team to evaluate project risks and help develop plans to mitigate them.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful team environment, working cross-functionally with sales, engineering, and build teams to keep projects moving smoothly.
• Model a positive, solution-oriented attitude when navigating project challenges, helping to keep morale and momentum strong across the team.
• Support a culture of accountability and continuous improvement by sharing lessons learned and best practices with the broader project management team.

Requirements

• Ability to develop relationships, build credibility, and establish trust.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Strong negotiation skills, conflict management, and proactive decision-making.
• Ability to effectively lead and manage interdepartmental teams.
• History of driving projects through best practices, processes, and change management.
• Enjoys a hands-on approach and takes ownership of projects through to the finish line.
• Proficient with Project Management scheduling software.
• Comfortable working in a technical or engineering environment.
• Experience with custom automation equipment is a plus but not required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or associate degree; a technical degree is a plus.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing projects; experience with custom automation or other technical industries is a plus.
• Experience identifying needs, assigning roles and responsibilities, and managing teams to meet project deliverables.
• PMP Certification preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance with supplemental insurance options.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and 10 company-paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with a 4% employer match per pay period.
• Company-sponsored Health Savings Account (HSA) and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Work environment

You’ll have the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting and challenging projects across industries, keeping your work engaging and impactful. Our company culture is built on integrity, respect, continuous learning, innovation, and teamwork, creating an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.