Project Manager

CentroMotion; Solon (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

HSA

Life insurance

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

CentroMotion is seeking a Brand Project Manager to lead cross-functional teams and drive a portfolio of strategic product initiatives aligned with the Friction business growth plan. You will operate autonomously to execute R&D programs of varying size, delivering on scope, schedule, cost, delivery, and qualification requirements.

You will coordinate product engineering, manufacturing, product management, purchasing and quality, develop robust project plans, manage risk, and guide transitions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in product development related field required.
• At least 10 years of project or program management experience.
• Proven ability to build teams and drive cross-functional action.
• PMI PMP certification preferred.
• Experience with multi-phase/multi-resource projects.

Responsibilities

• Act as central project lead across functions to deliver initiatives.
• Develop project plans with deliverables, budgets and timelines.
• Track progress, manage risks, and adjust priorities.
• Ensure smooth transitions from development to production.
• Provide status reporting and stakeholder communications.

Skills

Strong problem solving skills

Excellent verbal and written comms

Delegate and motivate teams

Crisis and expectation management

PM/NPD knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in product development related discipline

MBA or Masters in Engineering Management

PMP certification

Tools

Microsoft Project

Lean/Agile NPD processes

DFMEA

Risk Mitigation

ITAR/DFAR

IATF

ISO/TS

Job description

Description

The Brand Project Manager will lead cross‑functional teams to deliver a portfolio of strategic product initiatives in support of the CentroMotion Friction business global growth strategy. You will work in a highly autonomous environment to execute R&D programs of various sizes and complexity to achieve scope, schedule, cost, delivery, and qualification requirements while demonstrating a high level of competency in project management skills and thorough understanding of multiple functional workstreams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as the central project leads and initiates, plans, executes and manages all aspects of the project to ensure successful delivery of the requirements.
• Acts as primary focal point between the functional areas including product engineering, manufacturing, product management, purchasing and quality.
• Creates a project plan including deliverables, planning and budget, in line with policies and standards, and in accordance with the business case and customer (internal or external) expectations.
• Evaluates trade‑offs and drives solutions as they affect project objectives, resource conflicts, adjustments to priorities or unplanned interruptions.
• Works with technical leads and project team members on development timelines. Identifies the critical path and tracks progress.
• Tracks project progress and work with technical leads and the project team on necessary adjustments to achieve project deliverables.
• Ensures a successful transition through the project phases, from product development to delivery.
• Maintain risk registers and track resolution progress.
• Develop contingency plans and escalates issues when necessary.
• Ensures the use of standard processes, procedures, and documentation throughout each project. Developing documentation standards when and where applicable.
• Act as the owner for the NPD phase‑gate process with a focus on continuous improvement and training for new employees.
• Facilitates project closure and transition to production.
• Supports the project team and technical lead with establishing and tracking project budgets.
• Provides regular project status reporting following established standards, as well as provides ad‑hoc reporting upon request.
• Develops and facilitates necessary communication with all functional area stakeholders.
• Other duties as required.

Competencies

• Knowledge of any of the following strongly preferred: Microsoft Project, Lean/Agile NPD processes, DFMEA, Risk Mitigation, ITAR/DFAR, IATF, ISO/TS.
• Resourceful, confident under pressure, and has demonstrated skill in both crisis management and expectation management.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Experience managing test development, validation or test lab resources is a plus.
• Ability to delegate effectively and motivate people involved in the project to complete tasks on time.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a product development related discipline (i.e., Design, Engineering, Manufacturing or Marketing). An MBA or Masters in Engineering Management is preferred.

Experience and/or Training: At least 10 years experience in Project Management or Program Management is required. Results must demonstrate an ability to build teams, make effective decisions and drive action cross‑functionally. Experience managing multi‑phase/multi‑resource projects to conclusion while maintaining high internal and external customer focus satisfaction.

Licenses/Certificates: A Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is preferred.

Technology/Equipment: Knowledge of Microsoft Project, Lean/Agile NPD processes, DFMEA, Risk Mitigation.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, and vision coverage for positions of 30+ hours/week.
• Health Savings Account: Benefit from annual employer contributions to your HSA.
• Company-Provided Insurance: We offer life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and short‑term disability insurance.
• Voluntary Insurance Options: Choose additional coverage for yourself, your spouse, and your children, including critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, and long‑term disability insurance.
• 401(k) Plan: Take advantage of our 401(k) with matching contributions, fully vested from day one.
• Educational Support: Access tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities to further your education.
• Lifestyle Reimbursement: Receive a $150 Amazon gift card upon completion of your annual physical.
• Wellness Program: Participate in health coaching, monthly webinars, quarterly challenges, and earn gift card incentives for participation and earning points.
• Safe Work Environment: Work in a clean and safe environment.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy 14 paid holidays, including a holiday shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s, plus paid vacation available from day one.
• Paid Parental Leave: Take advantage of paid parental leave to support your family.