Project Manager- Carts

About the Role

The Project Manager is primarily and directly accountable for the development of scope, schedule, cost estimates, and execution of cross-functional product development projects. This role will lead, manage, plan, and administer operational activities for global project teams, driving direction and implementing project management best practices. The PM will organize project activities, ensure effective communication, and facilitate project completion on schedule and within budget. Projects will cover the entire product development cycle, from ideation to production, involving teams across Europe, China, and North America.

Responsibilities

• Manage all project phases: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
• Create project plans, including deliverables, activities, timelines, and budgets.
• Anticipate and address problems, roadblocks, and major obstructions.
• Ensure milestones are met through oversight and coordination of project resources.
• Coordinate project management activities across the Wanzl global network to track inter-project dependencies.
• Create and deliver presentations to customers, leadership, and the Management Board in Germany.
• Lead communication with stakeholders and team members throughout the project.
• Provide scheduled and on-demand status reports and updates.
• Direct project timelines and budgets.
• Assess, manage, resolve, and escalate risks and issues as needed.
• Understand and support the creative development and design process.
• Make timely decisions based on available information and input.
• Coordinate and respond to requests for changes from original specifications.
• Monitor project results against technical specifications.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project management documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or other technical field.
• 6+ years of work experience, including 3+ years of practical project management experience.
• 2+ years of project management experience within Product Development.
• PMP certification and/or MBA preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to close projects on time and within budget.
• Experience with plastic injection tooling and production preferred.

Skills

• Proactive, independent, and strong work ethic.
• Ability to adapt and succeed in a changing environment.
• Organized and clear communication skills.
• Solid time management, planning, and organization skills.
• Excellent facilitation, interpersonal, planning, and negotiating skills.
• Ability to motivate and communicate with others at all levels.
• Leadership skills to set direction, energize, and harness resources of multiple teams.

Company Overview

WNA, part of the Wanzl Group, is a leading entrepreneurial player in market share, agility, and innovative solutions. Headquartered in the Charlotte Metro Area, NC, with around 500 employees and ~$200M in sales, WNA serves retail and distribution markets, including major customers like Walmart and Amazon. As the largest manufacturer of shopping carts in North America, WNA also offers Access Systems, Shelving & Fixtures, Material Handling products, and digital solutions for smart retail and autonomous store technology. With 12 plants in 8 countries, WNA provides comprehensive, solutions-driven service and expert knowledge of local markets globally.

Location: Newton, NC