Project Manager, Steel Towers (m/f/d)
Nordex Group · Chicago, IL · 3 days ago
Information TechnologyFull-time
About the role
The role of Project Manager – Steel Towers directly supports the company’s mission to develop and deliver clean power plants that make 100% renewable energy a reality for the world. As the Project Manager – Steel Towers you are responsible for leading the successful industrial and operational scale-up of steel tower manufacturing capacity in North America, from initial setup to full production volume in more than 4 different tower factories.
Responsibilities
- Lead the overall ramp-up plan for steel tower supply in North America, from initial qualification to full production capacity
- Coordinate all operational activities across suppliers, internal teams (Sourcing, Quality, Engineering, Logistics), and project stakeholders
- Develop and maintain a detailed ramp-up roadmap, including capacity, resources, tooling, and production milestones
- Ensure supplier readiness in terms of manufacturing capability, workforce, equipment, and industrial processes
- Monitor production progress and resolve bottlenecks affecting throughput, quality, or delivery
- Identify and mitigate risks impacting ramp-up (capacity constraints, material availability, quality issues, logistics limitations)
- Drive alignment between demand planning and supplier execution capabilities
- Track and report key KPIs (production output, on-time delivery, capacity ramp, manufacturing lead times, critical issues)
- Coordinate closely with Supplier Quality (SQA) to ensure stable and scalable processes
- Lead escalation management with suppliers when performance deviates from plan
- Support contract execution and ensure operational commitments are met by suppliers
- Implement continuous improvement actions to optimize efficiency during ramp-up
- Ensure full visibility and communication to senior management on ramp-up status, risks, and mitigation actions
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or similar)
- Project Management certification (PMP or equivalent) is a plus
- Minimum 7–10 years of experience in Project Management, Operations, Supply Chain, or Industrialization
- Proven experience managing industrial ramp-ups, capacity expansion, or new supplier implementation
- Experience in wind industry, steel structures, or heavy manufacturing strongly preferred
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and supplier networks
- Track record of delivering complex projects under tight timelines
- Solid knowledge of steel fabrication and heavy manufacturing processes (welding, rolling, coating)
- Strong project management skills (planning, execution, risk management, stakeholder alignment)
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage operational crises
- Experience working with suppliers and external manufacturing partners
- High level of ownership, accountability, and results orientation
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Ability to structure ambiguity and drive execution in fast-growth environments
- Ability to travel domestic and international locations to project sites and on business as required with the ability to obtain a passport
- Driving is an essential function of the job. Must possess a full valid driver’s license and be insurable under our auto insurance policy. This position will be subject to periodic driver’s abstract checks to confirm continued insurability
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical administered by a medical examiner to ensure the ability to safely perform job functions and meet the physical demands of the position
- Drives are an essential function of the job. Must possess a full valid driver’s license and be insurable under our auto insurance policy. This position will be subject to periodic driver’s abstract checks to confirm continued insurability
Qualifications
- Passion for sustainability and renewable energy
- Commitment to maintaining and promoting safety standards at all times
- Proactive identification and mitigation of potential safety hazards
- Proper use of applicable safety equipment, including but not limited to eye protection, hearing protectors, steel-toe boots, and hard hats
- Effective communication with team members and management to ensure a safe working environment
- Fluency in speaking and understanding English to effectively communicate safety and job-related information, follow safety instructions, and collaborate with English-speaking supervisors and team members
Skills
- Strong understanding of and commitment to safety protocols and procedures
- Proactive identification and mitigation of potential safety hazards
- Proper use of applicable safety equipment, including but not limited to eye protection, hearing protectors, steel-toe boots, and hard hats
- Effective communication with team members and management to ensure a safe working environment
- Fluency in speaking and understanding English to effectively communicate safety and job-related information, follow safety instructions, and collaborate with English-speaking supervisors and team members
Benefits
- Paid Time Off - Three (3) weeks accrued (120 hours)
- Medical & Pharmacy Insurance with multiple options to best meet your needs
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with Employer Contribution
- Flex Spending Account (FSA)
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Short-Term / Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- 401(k) with Employer Match
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Wellbeing, Family Planning, And Voluntary Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Parental Leave
- Calm Subscription Gym Membership Reimbursement
- Accident Insurance
- Legal Plans
- Spot Pet Insurance
- Auto and Home Insurance
Pay
Compensation and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Schedule
This position offers a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the role and the candidate.