Program Manager

Willow Lake, 1185 Willow Lake Blvd., Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, United States of America

Posted Monday, August 24, 2026 at 4:00 AM

PURPOSE: The Program Manager is responsible for leading assigned New Product Development (NPD) projects from purchase order through production readiness. This role coordinates cross-functional activities with customers, engineering, manufacturing, tooling, quality, supply chain, sales, and operations to ensure new injection molds, parts, and assemblies are developed, qualified, and launched on time, within scope, and to customer specifications.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Manage assigned NPD projects from purchase order through production-ready release
• Establish project scope, milestones, timelines, deliverables, and customer expectations
• Provide regular project updates, maintain action trackers, and elevate risks or barriers as needed
• Coordinate with manufacturing engineering, tooling, quality, supply chain, sales, and operations to support successful project execution
• Support tooling activities including new tools, repairs, engineering changes, fixtures, outsourcing, and on-time delivery
• Track project performance, timing, open issues, and key metrics related to launch readiness
• Ensure smooth transition of projects from NPD into production through clear communication and cross-functional alignment

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customer programs during the NPD process
• Develop and maintain project schedules, timelines, milestone trackers, and launch documentation
• Lead internal project meetings and ensure action items, owners, and due dates are clearly defined and followed through
• Coordinate customer communications, project updates, open issue resolution, and follow-up on required information
• Partner with Process, Manufacturing, and Quality Engineers to support mold trials, process development, validation, and production readiness activities
• Work with tooling teams and external suppliers to track tool builds, engineering changes, repairs, fixtures, and related deliverables
• Collaborate with quality, production, purchasing, and supply chain to ensure materials, documentation, inspections, and approvals are completed on time
• Identify project risks, timing concerns, cost impacts, and resource constraints, and communicate escalation needs to leadership
• Support quoting, estimating, sales, and customer development activities by providing technical and program-related input
• Contribute to continuous improvement of NPD processes, project tracking methods, and communication tools

QUALITIES FOR SUCCESS:

• Demonstrates Seaway Plastics Core Values
  • We are customer focused
  • We execute
  • We win together
  • We are respectful
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, project management, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered
• 5+ years of experience in plastics injection molding, contract manufacturing, medical device manufacturing, or a related technical manufacturing environment preferred
• Experience managing customer-facing projects from concept or purchase order through production launch
• Knowledge of program management methods, project planning, risk tracking, and milestone management; PMP certification preferred but not required
• Proficiency with project management tools such as Smartsheet or Microsoft Project, as well as ERP/MRP systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and coordinate internal and external stakeholders
• Experience with secondary operations such as sonic welding, heat staking, pick and place, pad printing, light assembly, and automation preferred
• Comprehensive skills using Microsoft Office programs; basic CAD knowledge such as Solid Works or Creo is a plus
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, scheduling, procurement, quality systems, and production launch requirements
• Ability to understand project financials, tooling costs, timing impacts, and business-related project decisions
• Strong customer service mindset with the ability to support sales, estimating, and new business opportunities
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple active projects, priorities, and deadlines
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and commitment to continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles
• Understanding of applicable compliance requirements and design controls, including ISO 13485 and FDA regulations, preferred
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments and with customers
• Well organized, detail-oriented, and goal oriented
• Valid identification and the ability to legally work in the United States
• Competitive spirit, but plays within the rules
• Travel +/- 15%

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