Project manager II

About the role

The Project Manager II will organize, manage, and plan medium to large strategic projects that support the company's long-term growth objectives. This position works closely with interdepartmental teams to deliver projects on time, within budget, to specifications, and with accuracy and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Define project tasks and responsibilities and ensure activities progress and are completed on time.
• Own and manage a portfolio of medium to large 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.
• Implement and manage project budget within defined limits.
• Conduct risk assessments, report identified risks, and recommend mitigation for risks to management.
• Coordinate project teams and manage ongoing communication with appropriate stakeholders.
• Ensure all project 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 San Diego and Mexicali.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3-5 years of project management experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, with a PMP certification; or 5-10 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 drive collaboration across the organization.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt effectively to changing business needs in a dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze data, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

Skills and competencies

• Communication: Very strong communication skills with an ability to ensure a common understanding of project requirements by clearly setting expectations in accordance with the project plan.
• Facilitating Change: Encouraging others to seek opportunities for different and innovative approaches to addressing problems and opportunities; facilitating the implementation and acceptance of change within the workplace.
• 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.

Pay and benefits

Salary Range: $116,000 to $130,000 annually. Location: This is an onsite position based at the Company's Oceanside Facility.

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.