Project Manager I

About the Role

The Project Manager I will organize, manage, plan, and execute strategic projects that support the company's long-term growth objectives. This position works closely with interdepartmental teams to deliver small to medium-sized projects on time, within budget, to specifications, and with accuracy and efficiency. May support bigger strategic projects led by the PMO Director and/or Project Manager II.

Responsibilities

• Define project tasks and responsibilities and ensure activities progress and are completed on time.
• Own and manage a portfolio of small to medium sized programs for the business.
• Establish project prioritization frameworks to ensure resources are aligned with the highest-value opportunities.
• Develop project governance, metrics, and reporting mechanisms for assigned programs/projects.
• Ensure programs are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with business goals.
• Monitor programs or initiative performance and proactively address risks, constraints, and resource requirements.
• Implements and manages project budget within defined limits.
• Conducts risk assessments, reports identified risks, and recommends mitigation for risks to management; provides recommendations for risk mitigation.
• Coordinate project teams and manages ongoing communication with appropriate stakeholders.
• Ensures all projects requirements are considered and met including but not limited to safety, cost, lead time, scheduling, documentation, data collection, equipment sourcing and delivery, validations/qualifications, facilities, site layouts, production impacts, and training.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans using appropriate project management tools (e.g., Gantt Charts/Microsoft Project/other relevant industry tools).
• Communicate directly with customers where required.
• Work closely with functional leaders to understand business constraints and needs.
• Provide visibility to senior leadership through executive dashboards, program reviews and portfolio reporting.
• Ensure adherence to ISO standards and Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) practices.
• Occasional travel (up to 20%) to regional Lighteum sites, including Oceanside and Mexicali.

Scope

The Project Manager I effectively plans and manages small to medium projects through industry standard project management tools to successfully deliver projects and meet desired metrics in support of overall business goals. Reporting to the PMO Director, the incumbent collaborates closely with Sales, Quality, Engineering, external customers, and vendors to oversee strategic initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
• 1–3 years of project management experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with a PMP certification; or 2–5 years of relevant manufacturing experience without a PMP certification.
• Experience in the medical device industry (preferred).
• Proficient in operational excellence methodologies and business systems, including Lean Manufacturing, Project Management frameworks, MRP, and ERP platforms.
• Experience developing business cases, project planning, capital expenditure plans, and ROI analyses.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (preferred).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong cross-functional relationships and collaborate effectively across the organization.
• Thorough understanding of, or the ability to quickly learn about, the project or product being developed.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt effectively to changing business needs in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

Personal Skills & Key Competencies

• Building Collaborative Relationships: Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships between one's areas, teams, departments, units, or organisations including customers, to help achieve business goals.
• Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive.
• Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers' and own organization's needs. This includes internal and external customers.
• Planning & Organizing: Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
• Continuous Improvement: Originating action to improve existing conditions and processes; identifying improvement opportunities, generating ideas, and implementing solutions.

Pay & Schedule

• Salary Range: $100,000 To $115,000.00 Annually
• Location: Onsite position based at the Company's San Diego Facility
• Full Time

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with generous company contribution and match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life and disability insurance
• Generous paid time off including PTO, sick leave, and paid holidays