Project Manager – Manufacturing Operations

Project Manager – Manufacturing Operations

Location: Columbus, OH
Job Type: Direct Hire
Salary: Starting at $100,000+ annually (Based on Experience)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee manufacturing and fabrication projects from order entry through production, assembly, and shipment. This role serves as the central point of coordination between engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, quality, and leadership teams to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with customer requirements.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position plays a key role in driving project execution, managing stakeholder communication, and maintaining visibility throughout the production lifecycle.

Project Execution & Coordination

• Manage projects from order entry through fabrication, assembly, testing, and shipment.
• Develop project schedules, milestones, and deliverables while ensuring alignment across departments.
• Monitor project performance and proactively identify risks affecting quality, cost, or delivery schedules.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and reporting.
• Drive accountability across engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, quality, and logistics teams.

Production Coordination & Schedule Management

• Monitor project progress throughout fabrication, assembly, and manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with production leadership to understand capacity constraints and resource requirements.
• Coordinate schedule adjustments and recovery plans when delays occur.
• Track material availability and work closely with supply chain teams to mitigate shortages.
• Ensure production activities remain aligned with project schedules and customer commitments.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency and schedule adherence.

Stakeholder Management & Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders and project teams.
• Provide regular project updates, milestone reporting, and schedule forecasts to leadership.
• Communicate project risks, delays, and mitigation plans effectively.
• Facilitate project review meetings and coordinate follow-up actions.
• Foster collaboration across engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and leadership teams.

Reporting & Performance Tracking

• Develop and maintain project dashboards, reports, and tracking tools.
• Monitor key performance indicators including on-time delivery, schedule adherence, and milestone completion.
• Analyze project data and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Support forecasting, workload planning, and resource allocation efforts.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 3–7 years of experience in project management, manufacturing operations, production planning, or a related field.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.

Preferred

• Experience supporting manufacturing, fabrication, industrial equipment, electrical equipment, or custom product environments.
• Familiarity with fabrication, welding, machining, assembly, production scheduling, and manufacturing workflows.
• Experience working in engineer-to-order (ETO) or configure-to-order manufacturing environments.
• Understanding of bills of material (BOMs), engineering drawings, routing structures, and production processes.
• PMP certification or formal project management training.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of critical manufacturing projects and work closely with leadership to drive operational success. You'll play a key role in coordinating cross-functional teams, improving project execution, and contributing to the growth of a dynamic manufacturing organization.