NPI Project Manager

ITW•Lake Forest, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

We, the Global Tool Unit (GTU), are part of ITW's Construction Segment. We specialize in the innovation, development, and manufacturing of best-in-class fastening solutions for the global construction market. Our highly differentiated products are trusted across a wide range of applications, from wood framing and finish work to steel-to-concrete installations. We place strong emphasis on Customer Back Innovation because we know our customers' time is valuable, and shortcuts are never an option. Every product we bring to market is designed with performance, reliability, and productivity in mind because our customers depend on them every day to get the job done. The GTU currently provides more than 30 tool models across a global market that combine electromechanical subsystems, balancing both pneumatic and cordless technologies, to optimize the fastening experience throughout the trades. ITW is a Fortune 200 diversified manufacturer of specialized industrial equipment, consumables, and related service businesses operating in more than 50 countries worldwide. With a culture built on innovation, entrepreneurship, and continuous improvement, ITW empowers employees to make a meaningful impact while developing their careers. As our business continues to grow, we are looking for a passionate and driven NPI Project Manager to help lead the successful delivery of innovative products from concept through launch phases.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related field
3+ years of experience in Product Development, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related technical disciplines
2+ years of experience managing cross-functional projects
Experience with structured product development and launch processes
Passion for Product Development
Natural Project Leader
Problem Solver by Nature
Organized and Accountable
Strong Communicator
Collaborative Mindset
Technical and Business Awareness

Nice To Haves

APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, MOI, or related quality and launch methodologies preferred
Familiarity with manufacturing processes including machining, casting, molding, stamping, or assembly operations preferred

Responsibilities

Own and drive New Product Implementation (NPI) projects from concept development through product launch.
Lead cross-functional teams by providing direction, managing priorities, and ensuring alignment across the business unit.
Guide new products through the entire development lifecycle, ensuring customer requirements, technical performance, manufacturing readiness, and business objectives remain aligned throughout the project.
Develop and maintain project schedules, key milestones, risk management plans, and execution strategies that keep programs on track for quality, cost, and timing targets.
Proactively identify project risks, facilitate issue resolution, and drive cross-functional decision making to maintain momentum and achieve successful product launches.
Lead project reviews, phase-gate activities, launch readiness assessments, and cross-functional meetings.
Ensure all project deliverables are completed on time and in compliance with established development processes.
Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Marketing, and external suppliers to ensure products are designed, sourced, validated, and launched successfully.
Build strong relationships across the organization, fostering collaboration and accountability while helping teams navigate challenges and competing priorities.
Coordinate supplier activities, prototype builds, validation efforts, and production preparation activities to ensure smooth transitions from development into manufacturing.
Work closely with Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to identify potential risks early and implement robust mitigation plans.
Support quality planning activities including APQP, PFMEA, PPAP, validation testing, and launch readiness reviews as required.
Serve as the primary point of communication for project status, risks, opportunities, and key decisions.
Present updates to leadership and stakeholders while ensuring alignment across all levels of the organization.
Identify opportunities to strengthen project management processes, improve execution efficiency, and accelerate speed-to-market for future product launches.