Project Manager NPD

Wabtec Corporation; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Relocation assistance

Health benefits

Job summary

Wabtec Corporation in Buffalo Grove seeks an experienced Project Manager to drive multi-year new product development and large customer design programs from cradle to grave. You will coordinate engineering, manufacturing, sales, and quality teams to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery with high quality.

The role requires 8+ years in project management, strong leadership, and proficiency in MS Project/Smartsheet, Excel, and PowerPoint. Travel and relocation support may be available.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PMP certification preferred.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in project management, engineering, & manufacturing.
• Proven track record of delivering projects on time, in budget, meeting quality targets.
• Well versed in PM tools including Scopes, Work Breakdown Structures, Timelines, Budgets, Risk Matrices, Organization Charts/RACI’s, Presentations.
• Strong planning, tracking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective leadership to motivate and coordinate cross-functional groups.
• Ability to present to customers and all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of NPD Stage Gate and related tools/standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project or Smartsheet, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects from clean sheet through implementation and after care.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, sales, quality, and finance.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans with timelines, resources, and risks.
• Lead regular status meetings and communicate updates to stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external partners.
• Develop and manage project budgets to stay on target.
• Identify risks and roadblocks and propose solutions to stay on track.
• Maintain change management for scope changes and new requirements.
• Capture lessons learned and drive continuous delivery improvements.
• Guide APQP and R&D/NPD processes with engineering and manufacturing experts.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

PM tools (WBS/RACI)

MS Project

Smartsheet

Excel

PowerPoint

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Master's degree or PMP certification

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

You will be joining our innovative Wabtec Bus Solutions division, a team dedicated to developing, selling, and servicing leading systems for the Transit Bus & Rail industries including eBus charging systems, innovative passenger door systems, access ramps, and wheelchair lifts. Our group combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of product requirements to deliver industry-leading solutions, lasting value to our customers, and cutting-edge technologies that shape the future of public transit.

How will you make a difference?

As a member of the Wabtec Bus Solutions division, you will be responsible for leading the successful delivery of complex, multi-year new product development projects and large customized customer design projects from “cradle to grave.” You will oversee cross-functional teams to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, while also serving as the central point of coordination and communication for all project stakeholders. Reporting to the Director of Engineering with a dotted line to the Vice President Sales – North America , you will contribute significantly to the team's success in driving innovation in the transportation industry.

What do we want to know about you?

You may be a good fit if you have:

• Master's degree, PMP, or equivalent project management certification is a plus
• 8+ years of relevant experience in project management, engineering, & manufacturing
• Proven track record of delivering projects on time, in budget, meeting quality targets
• Well versed in effective use of PM tools including Scopes, Work Breakdown Structures, Timelines, Budgets, Risk Matrices, Organization Charts/RACI’s, Presentations
• Strong detailed planning, tracking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Effective leadership with the ability to motivate and coordinate cross-functional groups
• The ability to present to outside customers and all levels of the organization
• Strong working knowledge of NPD Stage Gate and related tools/standards
• Proficient in Microsoft Project or Smartsheet, Excel, and PowerPoint
• The following Competencies:
• Customer Orientation: Identifies internal/external customer needs, makes suitable proposals, monitors customer satisfaction, and provides clear communication.
• Group Leadership: Demonstrates proactive guidance, fosters inclusive decision-making, encourages collective responsibility, and promotes team communication.
• Planning and Organizing: Plans work effectively, sets priorities, communicates plans, and prepares for potential issues.
• Delegation: Delegates tasks appropriately, provides decision-making authority, and allows freedom in task execution.
• Management Control: Monitors project progress, reports on it, and anticipates disruptions.
• Results Orientation: Sets ambitious goals independently, delivers results better or sooner than expected, and makes proposals for more efficient or effective methods.
• Initiative: Acts independently, is proactive in producing proposals and ideas, and takes on tasks without being asked.
• Oral Communication: Delivers clear and logical messages, demonstrates effective questioning and answering skills, and aligns verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Written Communication: Writes concise, reader-focused communications using examples, metaphors, and illustrations to clarify.
• Adaptability: Adjusts activities and behavior independently when changes are necessary, responds effectively to unexpected issues, and adapts plans as needed.
• Judgement: Ensures in-depth understanding of situations, separates relevant information, evaluates solutions, and makes fact-based decisions.
• Integrity: Takes personal responsibility, is honest about opportunities and risks, keeps promises, and informs others frankly about issues.

What will your typical day look like?

• Manage projects from clean sheet through implementation and after care
• Coordinate the efforts of cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, sales, quality, finance, and other supporting departments, potentially international
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including detailed timelines, resource allocations, and risk mitigation strategies
• Facilitate regular project status meetings to monitor progress, identify and resolve issues, and communicate updates to stakeholders
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external partners
• Develop & manage project budgets to ensure projects remain on target
• Identify and elevate project risks and roadblocks, proposing solutions to keep on track
• Maintain change management processes to address scope changes and new requirements
• Identify lessons learned and best practices to continuously improve project delivery
• Execute and assist in improvement of APQP and R&D/NPD process
• Help guide via expertise in the engineering and manufacturing arena’s

What about the physical demands of the job?

• Primarily office-based work at Buffalo Grove office
• Use a computer for extended periods
• Occasionally lift/move up to twenty-five pounds
• Stand, walk, and navigate facilities
• Occasional travel (15%) to customers’ and manufacturing sites

You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.

Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met.

Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable) and fitness for duty test (as applicable).

Additional Information

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $129800-168500. The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. This role is also eligible for a performance bonus.

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.