Sr. Project Manager

About the Role

The Sr. Project Manager (Sr. PM) is directly accountable for developing scope, schedule, cost estimates, and execution of cross-functional product development projects. This role emphasizes establishing, improving, and governing project management processes and procedures across Wanzl North America. The Sr. PM will lead, manage, plan, and administer operational activities for one or more global project teams, driving direction and implementing project management best practices.

This role involves organizing project activities and meetings, ensuring communication facilitates project completion on schedule and within budget. The Sr. PM serves as the lead subject-matter expert for project management discipline, ensuring consistent application of methodology, tools, standards, and best practices—without direct supervisory responsibility over employees.

Wanzl North America may have multiple ongoing product development projects that are cross-functional, resourced internationally, and involve customers, partners, and stakeholders. Projects span the entire product development cycle, from ideation through production, requiring close coordination of global teams across Europe, China, and North America.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of product development for durable goods, including injection molding, associated tooling, metalworking, welding, assembly methods, and production. The Sr. PM may also manage other projects (revenue-generating or capital improvement) as assigned. This position is located at the Corporate Center in Denver, North Carolina.

About the Company

Wanzl North America (WNA) aims to be a leading entrepreneurial player in market share, agility, and game-changing solutions. As a solution provider, WNA creates value along the supply chain, from online purchase to delivery. Headquartered in Denver, North Carolina, WNA includes the Technibilt and Cari-All brands, with nearly 500 employees and $175 million in sales. WNA serves the retail and distribution markets, with marquee customers such as Walmart, Amazon, and major grocers and retailers.

In addition to being the largest manufacturer of shopping carts in North America, WNA operates in three main product segments—Shelving & Fixtures, Material Handling/Rolling Stock, and Access Systems—as well as a Service business offering turnkey solutions. WNA is also expanding its digital business line with products for shopping cart containment, smart exit gate technology, and solutions for autonomous or semi-autonomous retail stores.

WNA is part of the Wanzl group, headquartered in Germany, with 12 plants in 8 countries. The company provides comprehensive, solutions-driven service and expert knowledge of local markets globally through its 360° service.

Responsibilities

• Manage all project phases, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
• Create project plans, including deliverables, activities, timelines, and budgets.
• Anticipate problems, roadblocks, and major obstructions, and plan accordingly.
• Ensure milestones are successfully met through oversight and coordination of project resources.
• Coordinate project management activities across the Wanzl global network to track inter-project dependencies.
• Create and deliver presentations to customers, leadership, and the Management Board in Germany.
• Lead communication with stakeholders and team members through project completion.
• Provide scheduled and on-demand status reports and updates.
• Direct project timelines and budgets.
• Assess, manage, resolve, and escalate risks and issues as necessary.
• Understand the creative development and design process.
• Make decisions based on information and input in a timely manner.
• Coordinate and respond to requests for changes from original specifications.
• Monitor project results against technical specifications.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project management documentation.
• Serve as the lead for project management processes, procedures, and standards.
• Stay abreast of trends and developments in project management, providing evaluations and recommendations to leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or another technical field.
• 6+ years of work experience, including 3+ years of practical project management experience.
• 2+ years of project management experience within product development.
• PMP certification and/or MBA preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to close projects on time and within budget.
• Experience with plastic injection tooling and production preferred.
• Proactive, independent, and strong work ethic.
• Ability to adapt and succeed in a changing environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, interpersonal, planning, and negotiating skills.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and communicate with others at all levels.