Development Project Manager

Outform; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Outform is seeking an organized, proactive Development Project Manager to oversee the development of custom permanent display projects from concept through production across Sales, Engineering, Purchasing and Plant Operations.

You will translate sales concepts into actionable manufacturing details, manage budgets and timelines, and ensure material sourcing and quality standards are met in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of Project Management or Project Coordination experience in a manufacturing environment producing permanent retail displays or custom fabrications.
• Ability to read, interpret, and review engineering drawings, schematics, and BOMs.
• Solid knowledge of fabrication techniques across substrates (acrylic, metal, wood, laminate).

Responsibilities

• Translate sales intake data into project specifications, defining material requirements, timelines, and budgets.
• Manage multiple display jobs from concept through production, including planning, execution, and risk mitigation.
• Input accurate project data in ERP, finalize BOMs and manufacturing work orders.
• Act as cross-functional liaison between Sales, Engineering, Purchasing and Plant Operations to maintain clear communication.

Skills

Project Management

Reading Drawings

BOM / ERP Entry

Vendor Coordination

Schedule & Budget

Education

Degree in PM, Eng, or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP Systems

Job description

Position Overview

Outform is seeking an organized, proactive, and results-oriented Development Project Manager (DPM) to manage the development of custom permanent display projects initiated by our Sales and Account Management teams. In this role, you will help lead project lifecycles from initial concept and requirement gathering through prototyping, material procurement, manufacturing, and production rollout. Serving as a key liaison between Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, and Plant Operations, you will translate sales concepts into actionable manufacturing details while keeping budgets, timelines, material sourcing, and quality standards on track in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Planning, Specifications & Financial Management

• Requirement Gathering & Specs: Translate sales intake data into project specifications, defining material requirements, functional expectations, timelines, and budgets.
• Project Tracking: Simultaneously manage multiple display jobs, supporting project planning, timing, execution, budget control, and risk mitigation from start to finish.
• ERP & BOM Entry: Input accurate project data within the ERP system, finalizing and uploading Bills of Materials (BOMs) and manufacturing work orders.

2. Cross-Functional Liaison & Technical Translation

• Inter-Departmental Alignment: Act as a central liaison between Account Management, Purchasing, Engineering, and Plant Operations to maintain clear project communication.
• Drawing & Production Detailing: Work closely with Engineering on drawing packages, ensuring design intent is clearly interpreted and actionable for factory floor fabricators.
• Clear Communication: Distill technical and timeline updates into clear, concise messaging for internal teams and clients.

3. Prototype Development & Manufacturing Oversight

• Prototype to Production: Drive display development from initial 3D prototypes through first-article builds and final production runs.
• Plant Floor Coordination: Monitor manufacturing and fabrication processes on the shop floor to ensure adherence to project specs and quality benchmarks.
• Hands-On Support: Read engineering drawings to assist with prototype evaluation and structural review as required.

4. Sourcing, Procurement & Vendor Support

• Material Purchasing: Order and track required raw materials and sub-components within established timeframes to support factory schedules.
• Vendor Coordination: Obtain quotes and coordinate with external suppliers for optimal project costing, quality, and lead times.
• Multi-Material Sourcing: Track fabrication across diverse materials and manufacturing methods, including acrylics, metals, woods, and plastics.

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 2–4 years of Project Management or Project Coordination experience within a manufacturing environment (producing permanent retail displays, fixtures, or custom fabrications).
• Technical Literacy: Ability to read, interpret, and review engineering drawings, schematics, and BOMs.
• Material & Process Knowledge: Solid foundational knowledge of manufacturing and fabrication techniques across multiple substrates (acrylic, sheet metal, tubing, wood, laminate, etc.).
• Software & Systems: Experience creating work orders, entering data, and uploading BOMs in ERP/MRP manufacturing systems.
• Execution Focus: Proven ability to manage timelines, budgets, and tight deadlines in a deadline-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Project Management, Industrial Design, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Proactive problem-solver with strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to coordinate across multiple departments.

Core Competencies

• Project Planning & Schedule Management
• Cross-Functional Communication (Sales, Engineering, Production)
• Multi-Material Manufacturing Aptitude (Acrylic, Metal, Wood)
• ERP / BOM Data Entry & File Management
• Vendor Coordination & Material Sourcing

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Working conditions are split between a standard office setting and an active manufacturing plant floor.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, reach, and use hands to inspect display components and tools.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods on the factory floor and lift/move materials up to 50 lbs.
• Travel up to 10% may be required for client meetings, vendor reviews, or offsite evaluations.

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