Project Manager (Product Development)

About the role

This Project Manager will lead high-impact, cross-functional projects that directly influence product cost, quality, and time-to-market. The role focuses on two major project categories:

• New Product Development (NPD) - driving projects from concept through launch in partnership with Product Management and Engineering.
• Value Engineering (VE) - leading cost-reduction, design-for-manufacturability, and process-optimization initiatives with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations.

This is a highly visible role with regular exposure to senior leadership, requiring strong execution discipline, cross-functional alignment, and the ability to deliver measurable business outcomes.

Location

This is an onsite role based out of our Galloway, NJ or Bulls Gap, TN plant when not traveling.

Responsibilities

• Project Execution & Governance
  • Build and maintain detailed project schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
  • Identify risks early and drive mitigation strategies across teams.
  • Manage scope changes and ensure alignment with stakeholders before implementation.
  • Prepare and deliver executive-level updates, dashboards, and decision-ready presentations.
• Product Development Leadership
  • Drive end-to-end project execution within the Stage-Gate process for new product development initiatives, from requirements definition through design, validation, and launch.
  • Partner with Product Management to translate customer and market needs into clear project requirements and deliverables.
  • Coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations to ensure design feasibility, manufacturability, and operational readiness.
• Value Engineering & Cost Optimization
  • Lead value engineering projects focused on cost reduction, quality improvement, and supply chain optimization.
  • Facilitate cross-functional workshops to identify cost-saving opportunities in materials, design, tooling, and processes.
  • Partner with Manufacturing and Operations to validate feasibility, implement changes, and measure realized savings.
  • Track and report VE project ROI and business impact.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Serve as the connective tissue between Product, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations.
  • Facilitate communication, resolve conflicts, and ensure all teams are aligned on priorities and timelines.
  • Drive accountability and maintain project momentum across diverse functional groups.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a field such as engineering, business, operations or related field.
• PMP, CAPM, or equivalent certification preferred but not required.
• 3+ years of project management experience in product development, manufacturing or technical environments.
• Proven project management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of basic business software (Microsoft Office).
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira).
• Strong technical and analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven ability to multi-task in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Innate desire to improve current processes and procedures.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and quantify project impact.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.

Pay

Base salary is $100,000 - $140,000.

Benefits

• Annual bonus eligible.
• 401(k) / retirement savings program.
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Life insurance.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.