Project Manager

PakLab; Chino (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

With 3–5 years in manufacturing or purchasing, you will leverage ERP systems and MS Office to track progress, prepare status reports, and optimize processes for efficiency. This on-site California-based opportunity emphasizes collaboration with suppliers and customers to achieve milestones.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of work experience in Manufacturing, Materials, or Purchasing (preferably Personal Care and/or Packaging).
• Proficient in MS Office, ERP systems, and other web-based analytical applications.
• Excellent cross-functional teamwork and project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence all levels of management.

Responsibilities

• Manage product launches from pipeline to first production run.
• Collect and compile product specifications based on requirements.
• Manage new onboarding projects for new or existing customers.
• Support the R&D development timeline and coordination of materials and specification flow.
• Work with Packaging Engineers on sourcing components and BOMs.
• Review customer materials and BOMs for ERP setup.
• Coordinate QC samples, regulatory documentation, and validation activities.
• Serve as Technical Liaison for changes to customer SKUs.

Skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Excellent communication

Project management

Problem-solving

Detail-oriented

Independent work

Tools

MS Office

ERP systems

Job description

PakLab is a leading contract manufacturer specializing in health & beauty and household products. With three decades of professional product development service experience, we are setting a new standard in contract manufacturing. With our innate understanding of product design, development and formulation, as well as manufacturing and packaging mechanics, we work with our clients as a fully integrated strategic partner, creating innovative products from the bottom up. We employ a world-class team of Engineers, Chemists, Microbiologists, Lab Technicians, Designers, and Packaging Specialists who oversee the process from conception to completion. Service is the cornerstone of our corporate culture, and we will devote whatever resources are necessary to ensure a complete understanding of our customers’ needs in order to achieve their goals.

The Project Manager is the key functional interface between the client and PakLab's technical teams and works collaboratively to successfully launch new product SKUs. The Project Manager is responsible for adhering to the launch plan and timelines, facilitating team communication, tracking progress, and meeting preliminary budgets.

PakLab's market niche is flexibility and speed to market; as such, this position requires interaction with clients, suppliers, and internal team members to design, build, and roll out products expeditiously.

Responsibilities

• Manage product launches from pipeline to first production run
• Help determine project scope, timelines, and resources necessary to complete products on time and on budget
• Collect and compile product specifications based on requirements
• Manage new onboarding projects for new or existing customers
• Support the R&D development timeline and handle coordination of materials and specification flow with the client
• Materials, Sourcing & Timeline Management
• Work with PakLab Planning to schedule manufacturing and fill dates for new launches
• Track raw materials and components to ensure project timelines stay on track
• Assist Packaging Engineers with sourcing components to present customers with options
• Manage and adjust timelines according to raw material and component ETAs
• Work with the processing team to determine batch sizes
• BOM, RFQ & Router Documentation
• Review customer-supplied materials and bill of materials with the customer to ensure a seamless ERP system set-up
• Receive purchase orders from account managers and submit sales orders
• Create bills of material (BOMs) and create routers
• Complete RFQs and save documentation to the correct folder path
• Draft routers and submit for Quality review, approval, and Router log submission
• Quality & Compliance
• Work with Quality by providing artwork for label reviews and information needed to produce Validation Protocols
• Submit maintenance test requests for components to ensure compatibility with equipment
• Verify Sales Order vs. Work Order vs. Production Date alignment before advancing a project (stop/go gate)
• Log artwork to the Regulatory board; complete Fill Weight Verification with Production/Packaging Engineering and Quality signatures
• Confirm PO or LOI received before advancing a project; remove the LOI once the PO is received
• Pre-Production & Line Trial Readiness
• Schedule Pre-Production meetings 2-3 weeks before launch and before compounding; prepare the meeting slide deck (BOM, FAS, scope, quantity, packaging, production date)
• Attend on-site for the first production run/line trial (mandatory); confirm the line trial date with Planning and monitor raw material ETAs with Purchasing
• Complete Master Batch Documents before manufacturing the first batch; confirm lot code style and placement
• Trigger and prep a Tiger Team meeting when the customer is on-site for a trial or production run
• Direct, coordinate, and report results for all pilot production runs, stability testing, and/or any other required testing
• Coordinate the resources necessary to effectively run new products the first time
• Coordinate QC sample pulls; retain required PM samples and document production via photos
• Participate in Post-Production review meetings (batch consistency, run rate, labeling/coding and packaging accuracy) and document resulting process improvements
• Customer & Cross-Functional Communication
• Provide regular status reports to cross-functional team members and senior management
• Foster effective cross-functional communication and collaboration
• Manage all communication between the customer and R&D during the formulation process
• Facilitate both project status meetings and new product meetings
• Serve as Technical Liaison for changes to customer SKUs
• Systems, Tracking & Reporting
• Update Monday.com daily as it relates to updates for your projects
• Maintain and update Project Management folders
• Develop and implement product tracking documentation
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of work experience in Manufacturing, Materials, or Purchasing (preferably Personal Care and/or Packaging)
• Proficient in MS Office, ERP systems, and other web-based analytical applications
• Excellent cross-functional teamwork and project management skills
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence all levels of management
• Professional attitude, non-argumentative
• Able to work extended hours as business needs dictate
• Flexible — able to move from one type of task to another without loss of speed or efficiency
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills are necessary
• Able to follow procedures and instructions
• Able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Self-motivated, capable of working independently and as part of a team
• Detail-oriented, with excellent problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Salary Range: $85,000-100,000 yearly

Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering innovative infrastructure solutions. Your leadership will help shape the future of construction projects while ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency at every step.