Project Manager, Manufacturing Engineer, Operations Management

Job Description This Project Manager role focuses on leading tooling and industrial equipment procurement and installation projects within a manufacturing environment. You will manage end-to-end execution of capital equipment and tooling installations and upgrades, ensuring that projects align with production requirements, budgets, and timelines. The position sits within Manufacturing/Engineering at a large plant in Virginia and requires close collaboration with engineering, operations, maintenance, and external suppliers.

• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets for tooling and industrial equipment projects, ensuring alignment with production needs and capital expenditure requirements.
• Lead end-to-end execution of tooling and industrial equipment installation and upgrade projects from concept through commissioning and handover to operations.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, maintenance, and suppliers, to ensure smooth project execution and minimal disruption to production.
• Identify project risks, issues, and dependencies, and implement effective mitigation strategies to keep projects on schedule and within budget.
• Source, evaluate, and select suppliers for tooling and industrial equipment, ensuring they meet technical specifications, quality standards, and delivery requirements.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery terms with vendors to achieve cost-effective procurement and favorable commercial conditions.
• Manage vendor relationships throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring adherence to specifications, timelines, and quality expectations.
• Oversee the installation, testing, and commissioning of industrial equipment and tooling, coordinating activities with plant personnel and external contractors.
• Ensure all installation and commissioning activities comply with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal procedures.
• Validate equipment performance after installation, confirming that systems meet manufacturing process requirements before handover to operations.
• Manage capital projects related to tooling and industrial equipment, including tracking Capex, monitoring project costs, and ensuring adherence to approved budgets.
• Prepare and deliver regular project status reports and updates to stakeholders and leadership, highlighting progress, risks, and corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement in project execution, installation processes, and cost efficiency, leveraging lessons learned and best practices.
• Ensure effective coordination with suppliers and vendors during equipment installation and commissioning, resolving technical and scheduling issues promptly.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to align equipment specifications with process requirements and long-term production strategies.

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of project management experience in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Proven expertise in tooling and industrial equipment procurement and installation, including managing capital projects.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and equipment specifications relevant to industrial installations.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating tooling and equipment installation projects, including supplier and vendor coordination.
• Proficiency in project management tools such as MS Project, SAP, or similar systems.
• Excellent negotiation skills for contracts, pricing, and delivery terms with suppliers and vendors.
• Strong vendor management capabilities, including relationship management and performance oversight.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to present project status, risks, and…