Project Manager - Manufacturing

MassMEP; Auburn (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MassMEP seeks an experienced Project Manager to deploy and sustain lean and continuous improvement programs for manufacturing clients across the Commonwealth. You will administer surveys in line with grant schedules and collaborate with the sales team to develop future opportunities.

The role reports to Field Operations Lead and requires leading initiatives, coordinating with MassMEP professionals, and driving improvements while traveling within Massachusetts as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering or equivalent training/experience.
• 10–15 years’ experience in training, engineering, quality, management, or supervisory role in manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Solid presentation skills, including creating engaging and effective electronic and/or print materials.
• Must be able to work well under pressure, manage and prioritize multiple tasks and have a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and sustain lean and continuous improvement programs for manufacturing clients across the Commonwealth.
• Administer surveys in accordance with the grant schedule.
• Engage the sales representative to assist in the development of future opportunities for MassMEP.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Time management

Communication

Presentation skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

You've spent years building expertise in manufacturing operations, quality, continuous improvement, or operational excellence. You've led projects, solved problems, developed teams, and made a real difference within your organization.

Now you may be asking yourself: What's next?

What if you could take those same skills and apply them across dozens of manufacturers?

At MassMEP, our Project Managers don't just improve one company—they help manufacturers throughout Massachusetts solve complex challenges, accelerate growth, and create lasting operational transformation. You'll join a supportive team of highly skilled professionals who genuinely enjoy working together. We share ideas, learn from one another, and celebrate each other's successes. We challenge ourselves creatively, tackle meaningful problems, and help shape the future of manufacturing across the Commonwealth.

This role is ideal for experienced Operations Managers, Continuous Improvement Leaders, Quality Managers, and manufacturing professionals who enjoy learning, collaborating, and making an impact.

If you have experience with the planning and adopting phases of manufacturing systems such as ERP, MES, or QMS platforms, or hold a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, and are excited by emerging technologies like automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing, we'd love to talk with you!

PROJECT MANAGER

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Field Operations Lead, the Project Manager will be responsible for deploying and sustaining lean and continuous improvement programs for manufacturing clients across the Commonwealth, administering surveys in accordance with the grant schedule, and engaging the sales representative to assist in the development of future opportunities for MassMEP.

Competencies for Success

• Thrive in a team environment and be able to work with all parts of the organization to contribute to the organization’s commitment to core values and strategic plans
• Exceptional time and project management skills
• Excellent relationship building and interpersonal skills
• High work ethic to facilitate the core values of the organization with integrity

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering; or equivalent training/experience
• 10 - 15 Years’ Experience in training, engineering, quality, management, or supervisory role in manufacturing environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
• Solid presentation skills, including creating engaging and effective electronic and/or print materials
• Must be able to work well under pressure, manage and prioritize multiple tasks and have a flexible schedule
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Salesforce or other CRM platform
• Familiarity with manufacturing enterprise systems, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies, including industrial automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing tools
• Identify, prioritize, and execute continuous improvement activities; drive standardization and consistency of approach
• Fully execute and deliver full scope of MassMEP training projects to clients as outlined in grant or contract
• Monitor and follow up on trainings. Respond to client’s questions and concerns
• Engage growth “upselling” opportunities with clients during client survey process to build on existing relationship and discuss potential future projects
• Work closely with Business Development Advisor and function as partner on projects
• Partners with BDA, serving as either Primary or Secondary on surveys, to ensure completion in a timely manner
• Assist and mentor other PM’s as needed for cross-training
• Maintain continuous professional development activities to stay current on newest efficiencies, continuous improvement methodologies, and techniques available to manufacturers
• Develop and modify programs and/or presentations as needed to meet the needs of the client
• Interface effectively with all levels of the client organizations, MassMEP team, MassMEP resources, and partners
• Originate and follow up with other prospective departments and educate key managers regarding the commercial benefits of MassMEP’s programs

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and stand intermittently as required in an office environment
• Infrequent exposure to dust, heat and cold when visiting manufacturing environments
• Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 lbs), occasionally moderate weight (up to 50 lbs)
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle

Travel

Travel within the state is required up to 100%

MassMEP values diversity and welcomes all who are qualified to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, 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.