NPI Project Manager – Launch Leader

QA1; Lakeville (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Comprehensive Benefits

401(k) with Company Contribution

Paid Time Off

Wellness Programs & Perks

Education reimbursement

Community Engagement

Exclusive Product Discounts

Climate-controlled manufacturing floor

Onsite canteen

Casual dress code

Work dog

Job summary

QA1 Brands is seeking a Project Manager to lead new product introductions at our Lakeville, Minnesota facility, driving launches across engineering and manufacturing teams. This role requires influencing leaders in a non-reporting structure and managing multiple launches with strong organizational skills.

You will develop timelines, mitigate risks, and ensure gate deliverables are met. A Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years in manufacturing product launches are expected, with PMP preferred and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business or related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of project management experience leading new product launches in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing launches with a mix of internally manufactured and externally sourced materials.
• PMP certification preferred.
• Familiarity with Stage-Gate product development process.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and engineering change management.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to influence in non-reporting structures.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and capable with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate across functions and teams.
• Willingness to learn and adapt with urgency and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain project timelines, milestones, and launch schedules.
• Track deliverables and coordinate activities across all functional areas.
• Promote a clear focus on critical path and high-risk items at all times.
• Coordinate with all responsible parties to ensure gate review deliverables are met and documented; elevate as needed.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation plans; elevate as needed.
• Escalate project issues and drive timely resolution.
• Lead NPI activities from design handoff through production launch.
• Track tooling, fixture, equipment, and process development activities.
• Coordinate with Procurement and Planning to ensure all components and materials are available to support launch schedules.
• Coordinate with Operations to ensure adequate manufacturing capacity is available to meet launch schedules.
• Serve as the central point of communication for launch activities.
• Maintain project dashboards and broadcast project data as necessary to inform all interested parties within the organization.

Skills

Project management

PMP certification

Communication

Leadership

Gantt charting

Microsoft Office

ERP

Stage-Gate

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

Tools

Gantt charting software

ERP

Microsoft Office

Job description

QA1 Brands is seeking a Project Manager to lead new product introductions at our Lakeville, Minnesota facility, driving launches across engineering and manufacturing teams. This role requires influencing leaders in a non-reporting structure and managing multiple launches with strong organizational skills.

You will develop timelines, mitigate risks, and ensure gate deliverables are met. A Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years in manufacturing product launches are expected, with PMP preferred and