Engineering PMO & Commercialization Director

Novolex; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Paid parental leave

Wellness program

Job summary

Novolex | Director, Project Management & Commercialization is responsible for leading the project management and commercialization function across engineering initiatives. This role sets strategic direction, standardizes governance, and drives enterprise stage-gate processes to strengthen execution and alignment with business priorities.

The role demands 10+ years in program leadership within manufacturing/engineering, with 5+ years in leading technical teams, and travel up to 50%.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of program management and leadership experience in manufacturing or engineering.
• 5+ years leading engineering or technical organizations.
• Experience implementing project governance, stage-gate processes, or PMO capabilities in manufacturing/engineering.
• Proven ability to establish operating rhythms and drive cross-functional change.
• Executive communication and stakeholder alignment skills.
• Technical background in engineering principles.
• Experience overseeing multiple projects at multiple locations.
• Willingness to travel up to 50%.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for the Project Management & Commercialization team, including team mission and operating model.
• Establish governance routines, decision-making protocols, and cross-functional interfaces with Engineering, Operations, Commercial, Finance, and Business Unit leadership.
• Design and implement an enterprise stage-gate project management process with gate criteria and deliverables.
• Lead change management and cross-business-unit adoption of standards, tools, and governance.
• Own project schedules, budgets, scope, and ensure timely, quality deliverables.
• Oversee end-to-end lifecycle of engineering projects across locations.
• Assign tasks, balance workloads, and drive team productivity.
• Serve as primary bridge between engineering and stakeholders.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Novolex | Director, Project Management & Commercialization is responsible for leading the project management and commercialization function across engineering initiatives. This role sets strategic direction, standardizes governance, and drives enterprise stage-gate processes to strengthen execution and alignment with business priorities.

The role demands 10+ years in program leadership within manufacturing/engineering, with 5+ years in leading technical teams, and travel up to 50%.