Senior Project Manager

Aptar Italia S.P.A.; Town of Mukwonago (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Aptar Italia S.P.A. seeks a Senior Project Manager to own the full product development lifecycle, from concept to launch, leading cross-functional teams across Marketing, Engineering, Operations, Finance, and suppliers.

The role requires a proven record of delivering high‑impact projects and aligning resources with strategic goals. You will drive risk management, manage budgets and CAPEX, and mentor engineers while upholding Aptar’s core values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a focus in Manufacturing, Plastics, Mechanical, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in packaging or related manufacturing industry.
• 10+ years managing complex projects including new product development.
• Proven experience interfacing directly with customers and external partners.
• Strong leadership, communication skills, and ability to work across functions.
• Willingness to travel internationally and fluency in English (additional European language a plus).
• Familiarity with waterfall project management methodologies and project software.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the entire project lifecycle from concept to successful product launch.
• Lead complex NPD projects by translating customer and Aptar priorities into actionable plans.
• Proactively manage risks to ensure on-time, on-budget execution.
• Deliver projects meeting customer expectations and Aptar requirements.
• Coordinate with Operations to address team needs during execution.
• Serve as communication link between customers and internal teams.
• Interface with customers, suppliers and stakeholders on technical matters.
• Drive problem-solving to deliver innovative solutions to project and vendor challenges.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Innovation teams, customers and suppliers on new technologies.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships for cross-functional alignment.
• Apply structured problem-solving to overcome challenges and drive results.
• Support adherence to system procedures and company policies.
• Champion APPM process, utilize Planisware for project management, maintain data integrity.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment following safety regulations.
• Embark on Aptar’s Core Values across the Closures Segment.
• Provide guidance and coaching to colleagues for continuous improvement.
• Influence others beyond projects through stakeholder navigation and systems thinking.
• Operate independently with minimal guidance in complex situations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional teams

Waterfall methods

International travel

English fluency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering or Business

Tools

Planisware

Scheduling software

Document control systems

Job description

Senior Project Manager

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—and 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 customers and suppliers. The 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 ensures flawless execution of projects and mentors aspiring engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Embark on Aptar’s Core Values across the Closures Segment.
• Provide guidance and coaching to colleagues, fostering continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Influence others beyond projects through proficient stakeholder navigation and systems thinking.
• Operate independently with only minor guidance needed in the most complex situations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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.

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.