New Product Development Project Manager - Worthington Industries

About the Company:

Worthington Armstrong Venture (WAVE), a joint venture of Worthington and Armstrong World Industries, has established worldwide leadership in the production of suspended ceiling systems. WAVE produces metal ceiling grids that can be combined with Armstrong ceiling boards as a complete package or sold individually.

Founded in 1992, WAVE operates under a long-standing corporate philosophy rooted in the golden rule. This philosophy serves as an unwavering commitment to the customer, supplier, and shareholder, and it serves as the foundation for one of the strongest employee-employer partnerships in American industry.

WAVE is currently hiring a Corporate New Product Development (NPD) Project Manager to join our team!

We are currently looking for an NPD Project Manager who would be responsible for steering the creation and launch of new products. Under the leadership of the Director of New Product Development and Project Management Office, the position is responsible for developing comprehensive project plans that outline the scope, timeline, and budget for product development initiatives. This involves coordinating with various departments such as new product design, engineering, supply chain, marketing, and manufacturing to ensure all aspects of the project are aligned and progressing as planned. The NPD Project Manager must also manage risks and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the development process to keep the project on track.

In addition to project planning and coordination, the NPD Project Manager plays a crucial role in stakeholder management. The position acts as the primary point of contact between the project team and stakeholders, ensuring clear and consistent communication. This includes providing regular updates on project status, addressing any concerns, and making sure that stakeholder expectations are met.

The NPD Project Manager will provide guidance and support to their team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. This involves setting clear goals, delegating tasks, and monitoring progress to ensure that the team stays focused and motivated. The NPD Project Manager must also be adept at conflict resolution and problem-solving, helping the team navigate challenges and maintain momentum. Ultimately, their leadership ensures that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Responsibilities:

• Manages WAVE New Product Development projects using project rigor and delivery framework, including: Project management and execution standard work, coordination and communication tools, scope definition, critical path analysis, risk assessment, project changes management, resource assessment and coordination per project needs.
• Defines and clarifies project scope goals and deliverables that support business goals in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders throughout the life of the project.
• Ideates and builds Business Cases with Product Managers.
• Works with Finance Department to build and submit Capital Appropriation Requests.
• Communicates consistently with project stakeholders including Leadership on project status, changes and progress.
• Be the technical lead on product development and collaborates with NPD designers on product design and manufacturing feasibility.
• Works with Marketing and Commercialization Manager on gathering voice of the customer and defining product strategies.
• Teams up with Engineering Designers and Managers on new product manufacturability and manufacturing plans.
• Collaborates with Director of NPD and Technical Services Manager on Multi-Generational Product Planning. Executes strategic plan for Armstrong or WAVE handoff following product launch.
• Coordinates Design and Construction of prototypes; including, but not limited to, hands-on product installs, modifications, and physical part testing.
• Visits Jobsites to engage voice-of-customer and monitor installation techniques.

This position does not have direct reports, but the individual will coordinate project management with cross-functional teams in the WAVE organization.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Education Requirements:

• BS degree in Engineering required, Mechanical preferred.
• Experience of at least 5 years in new product development design or engineering and project management experience required.
• Professional Certification: Certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) preferred.
• Excellent project management and analytical skills required. Familiarity with project management software and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Experience in operations/manufacturing roles preferred.
• Excellent mechanical skills and strong knowledge of process improvement tools/techniques.
• Results oriented professional who can work across organizational lines and who can achieve business objectives through personal initiative.
• Demonstrated leadership ability through managing cross organizational teams at multiple levels to drive all parts of the organization to consensus.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills. Ability to influence, motivate and engage project team member. Excellent judgement and creative problem-solving skills. Self-reliant and results-oriented.

Worthington Armstrong Venture (WAVE) offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefit package that includes, but not limited to: health, dental and life insurances, vacation, quarterly profit sharing, and a 401(K) Plan.

WAVE is an equal opportunity employer. It is our goal to ensure that hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation and discipline decisions are based on the job-related qualifications, abilities and performance of employees and applicants. The Company does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, national origin, citizenship, disability or veteran status or any other reason prohibited by federal, state or local law.