Project Manager - Manufacturing

Job description:

Job Title: Project Manager – Manufacturing Outsourcing
Industry: Manufacturing / Production / Supply Chain
Reports To: Director of Operations or Executive Leadership

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly organized and results-driven Project Manager to oversee all aspects of outsourced manufacturing projects. This role is responsible for managing vendor relationships, coordinating production schedules, ensuring product quality, and driving continuous improvement across outsourced operations. The ideal candidate has strong experience in manufacturing environments, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

Key ResponsibilitiesVendor & Outsourcing Management

• Select, evaluate, and manage third-party manufacturing partners.
• Negotiate pricing, timelines, and service agreements with vendors.
• Ensure outsourced partners meet contractual, operational, and quality expectations.
• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews and facility audits.

Project Planning & Execution

• Develop project timelines, deliverables, and production milestones.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations.
• Track project progress and adjust schedules or resources as needed.
• Identify and mitigate risks that may impact production or delivery.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all outsourced products meet company specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with internal QA to address defects, deviations, or process improvements.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with suppliers as necessary.

Cost & Budget Management

• Manage project budgets, cost estimates, and financial forecasting.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities within the outsourcing network.
• Evaluate ROI on outsourcing decisions and process improvements.

Communication & Reporting

• Provide regular updates to leadership regarding project status, risks, and metrics.
• Create and maintain detailed project documentation, reports, and dashboards.
• Serve as the central point of contact between internal teams and external manufacturers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Project Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–7+ years of experience in project management within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of production processes, supply chain operations, and outsourced manufacturing models.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, Asana, Smartsheet, etc.).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to travel to vendor sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with international suppliers or contract manufacturers.
• Lean/ Six Sigma certification or training.
• Experience in industries such as metal fabrication, electronics, machinery, industrial equipment, or similar.
• Familiarity with ISO standards, quality systems, and regulatory compliance.

Core Competencies

• Project leadership
• Vendor management
• Manufacturing process knowledge
• Cost control and budgeting
• Cross-functional coordination
• Quality oversight
• Risk management
• Strong written and verbal communication

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

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