Project Manager

Wes-Tech Automation Solutions; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Wes-Tech Automation Solutions in Buffalo Grove, IL is seeking a Project Manager to lead automation projects from initiation to completion, ensuring delivery within scope, on time and within budget while meeting quality standards and customer expectations.

This role requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills to coordinate cross-functional teams, manage risks, and maintain engagement with stakeholders and management. Travel up to 20% may be required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven success managing industrial automation or manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in project management software (MS Project, CAD, etc.).
• Budget control, scheduling, and documentation management expertise.
• Problem-solving, attention to detail, continuous improvement mindset with proactive and effective approach.
• Technical knowledge of automation equipment and industrial control systems preferred.
• Professional certifications in Project Management are a plus

Responsibilities

• Manage automation projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring timelines, budgets, and safety standards.
• Serve as primary liaison between clients, cross-functional teams, and vendors.
• Develop project scope, objectives, schedules, and resource allocation plans.
• Oversee design, programming, and integration of automation systems (PLC, HMI, robotics).
• Coordinate installation, testing, and commissioning (FAT/SAT) and ensure documentation meets regulatory and customer requirements.
• Manage risk assessments and implement corrective actions to maintain project quality and compliance.
• Support sales and engineering teams in estimates, proposals, and technical feasibility reviews.
• Monitor KPIs and provide progress reports to management.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

MS Project

CAD

Job description

The Project Manager is responsible for leading projects from initiation through completion, ensuring delivery within scope, on time, and within budget while meeting quality standards and customer expectations. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills to coordinate cross-functional teams, manage risks, and maintain stakeholder and management engagement.

RESPONSIBILTIES

• Manage automation projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring compliance with timelines, budgets, and safety standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison between clients, cross-functional teams (engineering, design, supply chain), and vendors.
• Develop project scope, objectives, schedules, and resource allocation plans.
• Oversee design, programming, and integration of automation systems (PLC, HMI, robotics, etc.).
• Coordinate installation, testing, and commissioning (FAT/SAT) and ensure documentation meets regulatory and customer requirements.
• Manage risk assessments and implement corrective actions to maintain project quality and compliance.
• Support sales and engineering teams in estimates, proposals, and technical feasibility reviews.
• Monitor key project performance indicators (KPIs) and provide progress reports to management.

COMPENTENCIES

• Strong technical understanding of conveyor solutions and manufacturing processes.
• Able to develop strong working relationships with Operations, Marketing, Engineering; and customers and distributors.
• Self-starter who is committed to the job and seeks empowerment and accountability and is readily adaptable to changing market and organizational dynamics.
• Solid organization and time management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills for managing cross-disciplinary teams.
• Hands-on, practical, willing to be a team-player leading by example.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.

QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION
• EXPERIENCE / SKILLS
• 5+ years of proven success at managing industrial automation or manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in project management software (exp. MS Project, CAD, etc.).
• Budget control, scheduling, and documentation management expertise.
• Problem-solving, attention to detail, continuous improvement mindset with proactive and effective approach.
• Technical knowledge of automation equipment and industrial control systems strongly preferred.

Professional certifications in Project Management are a plus

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position requires up to 20% travel to customers, national or international, or various business needs.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, in-person, dynamic environment.
• Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends to meet business demands.
• The position is typically working in an office environment with brief period spent travelling and visiting the manufacturing floor.

Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.