Senior Project Manager

Aptar; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Aptar is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead new product development initiatives within the Food Market pillar, owning the full project lifecycle from concept to launch. You will align technical resources with business needs and drive high-impact programs across stock and custom projects.

You will guide cross-functional teams—Marketing, Engineering, Operations, Finance—and work closely with customers and suppliers to set goals, manage risk, and deliver on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Plastics, Mechanical, or related)
• Master’s degree in Engineering or business-related field preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading complex NPD projects, including new product development
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Willingness to travel internationally

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the entire project lifecycle from concept to launch
• Translate customer and Aptar priorities into actionable strategies
• Manage risks proactively to ensure on-time, in-budget delivery
• Deliver projects that meet customer expectations and internal requirements
• Collaborate with Marketing, Innovation, Customers, and Suppliers
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships across organizational levels
• Guide and coach colleagues to foster continuous improvement and growth
• Apply structured problem-solving techniques to overcome challenges and deliver results
• Adhere to system procedures and promote Aptar’s APPM process and Planisware usage

Skills

Project leadership

Stakeholder communication

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Planisware

Scheduling tools

Document control systems

Job description

Reports to: Technical Director, Food Market

Location: Hybrid from Mukwonago, WI or Lincolnton, NC

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Full remote work is possible subject to Aptar’s remote working policy.

The Senior Project Manager serves as the primary leader for new product development initiatives within the assigned market pillar, assuming full ownership of the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept through successful product launch. This individual brings an extensive track record of leading complex, high-impact projects—both stock and custom—. The Senior Project Manager takes proactive ownership of all project activities, strategically aligning technical resources with evolving business needs, and is fully accountable for driving initiatives that achieve key deliverables and advance strategic objectives.

Demonstrating exceptional communication and leadership abilities, the Senior Project Manager guides and motivates cross-functional project teams in some cases across regions, collaborating closely with Marketing, Engineering, Operations, Finance, and well as customers and suppliers. This role is responsible for setting clear project goals, facilitating active risk management, and applying strong business acumen to evaluate key business drivers such as cost models, capital expenditures (CAPEX), and return on investment (ROI). Recognized as an expert in the assigned market, the Senior Project Manager not only ensures the flawless execution of projects but also mentors and develops aspiring engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

As a Senior Project Manager you will:

• Take full ownership of the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept through successful product launch.
• Lead complex new product development projects by translating customer and Aptar priorities into actionable strategies and effective execution plans.
• Manage risks proactively to ensure flawless project execution, on time and within budget.
• Deliver projects that meet both customer expectations and Aptar’s internal requirements.
• Address the specific needs and constraints of Aptar’s Operations team throughout project execution.
• Serve as a key communication link between customers and internal project teams.
• Interface independently and effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders on project and technical matters.
• Drive problem-solving initiatives to deliver innovative solutions to project, vendor, and customer challenges.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Innovation teams, Customers, Suppliers, and other partners to identify, research, and apply new technologies to products and processes.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships to ensure alignment and cross-functional collaboration.
• Apply structured problem-solving techniques to overcome challenges and drive results.
• Support and adhere to all system procedures and company policies.
• Champion the APPM process methodology, utilize Planisware for project management, and ensure accurate, timely data input and reporting.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment by following all safety regulations.
• Embody and promote Aptar’s Core Values across the Closures Segment.
• Provide guidance and coaching to colleagues, fostering continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Influences others beyond projects through proficient stakeholder navigation and systems thinking
• Independent & effective, with only minor guidance needed in the most complex situations
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Who We are Looking For

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Plastics, Mechanical, or a related technical discipline)
• Master’s degree in Engineering or Business-related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the packaging or a related manufacturing industry.
• Over 10 years of experience managing complex projects, including new product development.
• Proven experience interfacing directly with customers.
• Strong ability to build and maintain relationships across all organizational levels and with external partners.
• Demonstrated leadership in scoping, driving, and managing projects using structured methodologies and processes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical documentation and presentations.
• Hands-on experience with injection molding, manufacturing automation, robotics, and/or inspection equipment and processes.
• Solid understanding of waterfall project management methodologies.
• Proficient in common project management software (e.g., scheduling tools, document control systems).
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in an additional European language (French, Spanish, German, or Italian) is a plus.

Who We are

At Aptar, we leverage insights, design, engineering and science to develop drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing and protection technologies for many of the world’s leading brands. Aptar in turn makes a meaningful difference in the lives, looks, health and homes of millions of patients and consumers around the world. Our innovations nasal drug delivery for emergency medicines, precise fragrance applications, mess-free ketchup dispensing for kids, connected technologies that support patients in adhering to their treatments and much more

With manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America, and a dedicated team of over 13,000 employees in about 20 countries, Aptar is committed to creating impactful innovations for our customers and their consumers.

Our Culture

At Aptar, our success is driven by the individuals who contribute their unique talents and perspectives every day. We believe that when you bring your authentic self to work, we all thrive.

How We Support Our Employees

• An exciting, diverse and value based working environment
• Award-winning corporate university offering personal development and training opportunities.
• Competitive base salary and performance-based bonus plan.
• Contribute to the communities where we reside.
• Innovative benefits plan which includes: 401k & Retirement Savings plan, vacation, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, pet insurance, wellness plan, and generous paid maternity/paternity leave.

Aptar is an equal opportunities employer. We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our success. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.

Stay updated on career opportunities by following us on social media @AptarGroup!