New Product Development Project Manager

PDMA; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

PDMA is seeking a senior New Product Development Project Manager in the Buffalo, NY area to lead cross-functional teams across engineering and management. You will qualify design initiatives, secure resources, and drive launches on schedule, with targets for yield and cost control.

The role requires strong PM skills, PMP certification, and extensive NPD experience. You will coordinate with management to resolve resource constraints, maintain detailed tracking, and implement Six Sigma/DMAIC

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering from ABET-accredited institution.
• 5+ years of new product development project management experience.
• PMP certification from the Project Management Institute.
• Superior knowledge of product design and manufacturing process technologies; practical experience with MS Office and project management software (Microsoft Project preferred).

Responsibilities

• Qualify preselected Design Initiative proposals based on strategic fit, ROI and resource availability.
• Identify resources required to launch new products and obtain management approvals.
• Lead New Product Launch teams to meet on-time delivery, yields, costs and stock targets.
• Establish and maintain detailed project tracking plans and metrics for all approved Design Initiatives.
• Provide regular updates to Management; modify status reports by stage and risk.
• Develop corrective actions and preventive measures to avoid recurrence of deficiencies.
• Coach, mentor and lead cross-functional team members; manage expectations and accountability.
• Travel as needed.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Education

BS in Engineering (ABET-accredited)

MS or MBA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Project

MS Office

DMAIC

Lean manufacturing

Six-Sigma Tools

Job description

Major Areas of Accountability
Promotes teamwork, cooperation and commitment to “Total Customer Satisfaction” among team members.
Works with Engineering Management and Management Teams to qualify preselected Design Initiative proposals on the basis of strategic fit, ROI and availability of cross functional resources to execute.
Identifies resources required to launch new products including capital equipment and human resources. Works with Management Team for resource approval.
Leads the activities of New Product Launch teams. Works with Department Managers, Management Team and Executive Management Team to resolve resource issues and to remove obstacles to ensure that new products are launched on time, at the required yield levels, cost targets and initial stock quantities.
Establishes and maintains detailed project tracking plans and metrics for all approved Design Initiatives.
Provides regular updates to the Management Team on the status of approved Design Initiatives. Modifies the frequency and content of status reports appropriate to the stage, critical nature or schedule risk of the project.
Ultimately responsible for the creation, implementation and continuous improvement of all PCB NPL procedures and metrics. Works with team members to trend/analyze results and determine root cause for deviations. Develops corrective actions, including improved systems and procedures, to prevent reoccurrence of deficiencies.
Proactively manages changes to project scope and effectively communicates changes in plan to all affected team members. Identifies potential problem areas. Helps devise contingency plans to mitigate risks.
Coaches, mentors, motivates and leads project team members. Continually manages project expectations. Influences individuals to take positive action and maintain accountability for their assigned work.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
BS in an Engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution.
> 5 years of new product development project management experience with a technical manufacturer, preferably involving electrical assembly/test, machining and molding.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute
Superior, broad-based understanding of product design and manufacturing process technologies; advanced knowledge of modern project management tools and techniques. Knowledge of and practical experience with: Microsoft Office software and project management software (Microsoft Project preferred), Lean manufacturing techniques, Six-Sigma Tools (DMAIC process, Design for Six Sigma, Design of Experiments and error-proofing). Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills. Good understanding of both electrical and mechanical design inputs. Savvy and adept at consensus building, crisis management, problem-solving and negotiation. Must possess exceptional leadership qualities and the ability to communicate with and to lead cross-functional teams with diverse backgrounds in the achievement of project deliverables.
Travel: As needed

Preferred Qualifications
Education: MS or MBA preferred.

Experience: > 10 years