Project Manager, New Product Introduction & Manufacturing

About the role

This position will lead complex new product introduction launches from early project planning through production ramp-up and stabilization. You will coordinate cross-functional teams, supplier partners, equipment readiness, automation integration, launch risk management, and executive reporting to deliver safe, reliable, and on-time manufacturing outcomes. Based permanently in Wendell, NC, this role requires significant onsite presence in San Francisco, CA for the first 12-18 months.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end New Product Introduction launch projects with ownership from product and process definition through launch, ramp-up, and stable execution.
• Build and manage integrated launch plans across R&D, product development, process engineering, equipment engineering, automation engineering, purchasing, suppliers, operations, quality, materials, EHS, facilities, HR, finance, and leadership teams.
• Drive equipment and automation readiness, including specifications, supplier selection and follow-up, acceptance testing, installation, controls integration, commissioning, validation, and issue resolution.
• Maintain project timelines, budgets, action logs, milestone status, risk mitigation plans, launch readiness documentation, and executive-level progress reporting.
• Make risks visible early across product maturity, equipment capability, automation readiness, supplier delivery, materials availability, staffing, training, quality readiness, safety, and production ramp-up.
• Partner with operations and materials teams to plan people ramp-up, training, standard work, shift readiness, production support, supplier coordination, inbound logistics, inventory strategy, packaging, and shortage escalation.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for high-impact, complex, or cross-functional issues while using critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, compliance, and financial controls to keep launches aligned to schedule, budget, quality, safety, and business commitments.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

• BS/BA required; engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, related STEM field, or equivalent experience preferred.
• 8+ years of experience with the following:
  • Leading complex projects in manufacturing, industrial operations, product launch, automation, equipment implementation, or engineered product environments.
  • Coordinating technical and operational stakeholders across product development, process development, equipment engineering, suppliers, operations, quality, materials, and launch readiness.
  • Managing integrated project plans, action logs, risk registers, change management, decision logs, stakeholder reporting, and critical launch documentation.
  • Applying interpersonal, negotiation, influencing, escalation management, communication, and problem-solving skills in cross-functional project environments.
  • Making data-driven recommendations that balance schedule, cost, quality, risk, financial impact, and launch readiness.
• Ability to work on site in San Francisco, California during critical execution phases and travel as required.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States on a continual and permanent basis without company sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP certification, equivalent practical project management experience, or willingness to obtain a PMP.
• Experience leading NPI launches, greenfield or brownfield manufacturing start-ups, production transfers, line relocations, or major equipment and automation implementations.
• Experience with engineered electrical equipment, power distribution, protection, control, critical power solutions, or related manufacturing environments.
• Experience with factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, commissioning, qualification, production validation, and ramp-up governance.
• Understanding of how equipment capability, automation reliability, material flow, quality controls, staffing, and training affect launch performance.

Pay

$91,463 – $156,794 (target incentive: 10%)