PROJECT MANAGER (New Product Development) - DANIEL DEFENSE LLC

At Daniel Defense, Only the Best Build the Best…

Daniel Defense engineers and manufactures the world’s finest firearms systems and accessories. We are a faith-based organization, intensely focused on providing top quality small arms solutions to our military and law enforcement communities as well as to civilians seeking premium rifles for home defense, hunting, and sport shooting.

We are seeking a skilled Project Manager specializing in New Product Development to join our dynamic team in the firearms industry. This role is pivotal in driving innovation and overseeing the development of new products from concept through commercialization. As a Technical Project Manager, you will lead cross-functional teams to ensure projects adhere to stage-gate processes, delivering high-quality products that meet market demands.

As the Project Manager, you will be responsible for the functions outlined below:

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for demonstrating commitment to and leadership of environmental health and safety principles, policies and procedures.
• Manage internal and external resources to establish and achieve project specifications / goals (On-Time, On-Spec, and On-Cost)
• Establish and maintain key stakeholder alignment on project goals and product objectives.
• Assist product development teams responsible for introducing new products for release as well as major updates to existing products.
• Create and track effective risk management and mitigation plans
• Lead scope and requirements management, including appropriate tradeoff analysis
• Develop and track comprehensive plans and communicate status to all levels of the organization
• Track and maintain project budget and product cost estimates
• Create and track key performance indicators
• Maintain oversight of robust processes and controls to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations and standards
• Foster a collaborative and innovative environment within an integrated product team (IPT), promoting continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Establish and maintain relationships with outside vendors (Project timeline, cost, etc.) – travel required
• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation
• Maintain clear understanding of market trends and assist engineering, sales, and marketing in identifying new project opportunities.
• Expected to be a contributor to the company standards on high integrity, safety, fair and equitable treatment and a positive work environment
• Provides adequate support, training and development to team members to continuously improve Safety, 6S, Quality, Delivery and Productivity.
• Other responsibilities as deemed appropriate or necessary by management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Statistics, Project Management, or a related technical field; advanced degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• Previous Technical, Manufacturing and/or Design Project Management experience, specifically in new product development.
• In-depth understanding and practical experience with stage-gate processes and methodologies.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrate understanding of product requirements management
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software (MS Project, Trello, SolidWorks Manage, Monday, Smartsheet).
• Effective communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, including internal teams, external partners, influencers, and customers.
• Ability to effectively hold team accountable to timelines, quality and budgets of assigned project.
• Must be able to directly interface with functional leaders and senior leadership to align project and resource priorities.
• Demonstrated understanding of project schedule development to establish and manage project timelines effectively.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is preferred.
• Firearms enthusiast with a passion for innovation and advancing technologies in the industry.
• Negotiating Skills.
• Conflict Management and resolution skills.
• Limited travel required on an as-needed basis.
• Demonstrated ability to work in accordance with our Permission to Play Values.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry awkward items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting and bending throughout the workday.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, to include working in and around machinery, exposure to noise and chemicals, lights/lasers, etc.
• Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protection Equipment as required by your position and/or Company policy.

Daniel Defense is an EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability employer and promotes a "Drug-Free Workplace."

Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to the job. This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this job. Responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of the employer and do not establish a contract of employment – Daniel Defense is an at-will employer.