Production Project Manager - Prototyping

INTRO

We’re looking for a Production Project Manager with a background in print, packaging, or manufacturing to join our Prototyping team in Chicago.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced production environment - someone who understands how to translate scope into execution, build accurate estimates, and keep projects moving from concept through delivery.

You’ll sit at the center of client, estimating, and production-owning scope clarity, driving timelines, and ensuring work is delivered on time and within margin.

This is not a passive coordination role- this is about owning scope, protecting margin, and making production work efficiently
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The Production Project Manager – Prototyping is responsible for managing production-driven client work streams, developing accurate estimates, and ensuring seamless execution from scope definition through final delivery.

This role sits at the center of client, estimating, and production—ensuring that work is clearly defined, executable, and delivered on time and within margin.

Each Project Manager operates as:

• A production-focused partner to Client Growth Managers (CGMs)
• The owner of scope, estimate integrity, and execution readiness
• The primary coordinator between client requirements and production reality

This role is critical to delivering high-quality output in a fast-paced, quick-turn prototyping environment while protecting schedule, cost, and feasibility.

• Manage a portfolio of prototyping projects and client work streams
• Drive day-to-day coordination of scope, timing, and deliverables
• Lead communication with clients regarding production timelines and constraints
• Participate in client meetings, plant visits, and business reviews as needed
• Serve as the primary escalation point for project execution issues

• Define and document detailed project scope prior to pricing
• Partner with Production to validate feasibility, materials, and approach
• Build estimates that account for labor, materials, complexity, and risk
• Balance competitiveness with margin protection
• Update estimates as scope evolves
• Capture and document change orders clearly and consistently
• Ensure alignment between estimate, production execution, and final billing

• Translate client objectives into clear, actionable production requirements
• Ensure all work is fully defined before release to production
• Communicate production constraints, timelines, and trade-offs
• Proactively manage scope or timing changes to maintain alignment
• Identify and elevate risks early to avoid delays or rework
• Drive disciplined intake and documentation to improve production efficiency

• Collaborate with CGMs during early-stage scoping and opportunity development
• Provide production and estimating input to shape viable solutions
• Ensure all sold work is operationally executable and financially sound
• Maintain shared accountability for account performance and growth

Responsible for:

• Estimate accuracy and integrity
• Margin performance on assigned work
• On-time delivery of projects
• Reduction in production rework
• Effective scope and change order management
• Client retention and satisfaction
• Visibility into upcoming workload and forecast

• 5+ years in print production, packaging production, or manufacturing project management
• Proven experience building or supporting production-based estimates or job costing
• Strong understanding of production workflows, materials, and timelines
• Financial acumen with ability to manage margin and cost drivers
• Experience in packaging, prototyping, print, or fast-turn production environments preferred
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a high-volume setting
• Strong organizational and communication skills across production and client teams
• Willingness to travel as required

Kaleidoscope is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

All new hires participate in a 90-day introductory period designed to ensure mutual fit, provide onboarding support, and align with company objectives.

USD $68,000 - $78,000 + potential per 1% commission