Project Manager - NPI

Smartrend Manufacturing Group (SMG) Inc.; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group insurance plan

Health spending account

Paid vacation

Shutdown holidays (Christmas–New Year)

RRSP matching

Job summary

Smartrend Manufacturing Group (SMG), Inc. is seeking a Project Manager to lead New Product Introduction projects from concept through launch.

You will coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality to ensure on-time delivery and product readiness for scale-up. The role requires strategic thinking, strong communication, and hands-on project management experience in NPI or product development environments.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project or program management experience, with significant NPI or product development exposure.
• Strong understanding of PLM and NPI best practices.
• Experience working in cross-functional, fast-paced product development environments.
• Proficient with project management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of NPI projects aligning with company goals and product strategy.
• Drive cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Marketing, and Finance to meet timelines and milestones.
• Balance technical requirements with cost, timing, manufacturability, and business priorities in project decisions.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, risk registers, and status reports.
• Facilitate stage-gate reviews and ensure compliance with NPI governance frameworks.
• Identify risks and resource constraints early and drive resolution plans.
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders at all levels, including executives.
• Coordinate prototype builds, validation activities, and readiness for manufacturing scale-up.
• Track and report project performance metrics and drive continuous improvement of NPI processes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Analytical Thinking

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business

Master’s degree

PMP certification

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

Jira

Job description

WHO WE ARE

As one of Manitoba’s fastest growing companies, Smartrend Manufacturing Group (SMG), Inc. through our various divisions, is increasing safety in the school bus industry and reducing emissions in the electric vehicle charge systems arena. We work on exciting, patented, innovative technology that impacts our environment. What has remained constant throughout this compelling history of growth is our dedication to our customers, our team members, and to the values on which we built SMG:

• People – our team is what makes us special
• Passion – from our hearts and minds, demonstrated through our actions
• Priority – we put the customer first, everyday, in everything we do
• Partnership – with each other, our customers, and our suppliers

We offer a competitive benefits package in an environment that is supportive, respectful, and fun! Join an innovative, growing, and diverse organization where your voice matters.

THE POSITION

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Project Manager to lead and manage New Product Introduction (NPI) projects from concept through launch. This role requires a strategic thinker who can coordinate cross-functional teams, manage timelines and budgets, mitigate risks, and ensure seamless execution of NPI processes.

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING AN IMPACT

• Lead the end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of NPI projects, ensuring alignment with company goals and product strategy.
• Proactively drive cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Marketing, and Finance to meet committed timelines and milestones, challenge delays or gaps, and elevate issues requiring management attention.
• Balance technical requirements with cost, timing, manufacturability, and business priorities when making project decisions.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, risk registers, and status reports.
• Facilitate stage-gate reviews and ensure compliance with NPI governance frameworks.
• Identify potential risks, issues, and resource constraints early and drive resolution plans.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.
• Coordinate prototype builds, validation activities, and product readiness for manufacturing scale-up.
• Track and report project performance metrics and drive continuous improvement of NPI processes.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU REQUIRE

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s or PMP certification preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in project or program management, with significant experience in NPI or product development environments.
• Strong understanding of product lifecycle management (PLM) and NPI best practices.
• Experience working in a cross-functional and fast-paced product development environment.
• Proficient with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF OUR TEAM

Share with us your passion and drive towards your career objectives, and we will provide an environment where your valuable contributions are rewarded and celebrated with professional growth and job satisfaction. We offer an attractive benefits package for our team members including:

• Competitive salary, depending on experience
• Group insurance plan with health spending account
• Paid Vacation
• Company paid shutdown from Christmas to New Years
• Matching RRSP program

We would like to thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.