Project Manager, Steel Towers (m/f/d)

Nordex Group•Chicago, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The role of Project Manager – Steel Towers directly supports the company’s mission to develop and deliver clean power plants that make 100% renewable energy a reality for the world. As the Project Manager – Steel Towers you are responsible for leading the successful industrial and operational scale-up of steel tower manufacturing capacity in North America, from initial setup to full production volume in more than 4 different tower factories. This role ensures alignment across suppliers, sourcing, planning, quality, logistics, and project execution teams, securing on-time, on-quality, and on-cost delivery during the ramp-up phase. The position focuses strongly on operational execution, risk mitigation, and cross-functional coordination.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or similar)
Minimum 7–10 years of experience in Project Management, Operations, Supply Chain, or Industrialization
Proven experience managing industrial ramp-ups, capacity expansion, or new supplier implementation
Experience managing cross-functional teams and supplier networks
Track record of delivering complex projects under tight timelines
Strong understanding of industrial ramp-up and scaling manufacturing operations
Solid knowledge of steel fabrication and heavy manufacturing processes (welding, rolling, coating)
Strong project management skills (planning, execution, risk management, stakeholder alignment)
Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder environments under high pressure
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage operational crises
Experience working with suppliers and external manufacturing partners
High level of ownership, accountability, and results orientation
Excellent communication and leadership skills
Ability to structure ambiguity and drive execution in fast-growth environments
Ability to travel domestic and international locations to project sites and on business as required with the ability to obtain a passport.
Driving is an essential function of the job. Must possess a full valid driver’s license and be insurable under our auto insurance policy. This position will be subject to periodic driver’s abstract checks to confirm continued insurability.
Ability to meet specific OSHA and ANSI weight limits of 265 lbs. or less
Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical administered by a medical examiner to ensure the ability to safely perform job functions and meet the physical demands of the position
Demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to safety protocols and procedures.
Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and company policies.
Proactively identify and mitigate potential safety hazards.
Properly use applicable safety equipment, including but not limited to eye protection, hearing protectors, steel-toe boots, and hard hats. Loose-fitting clothes and jewelry are not permitted.
Communicate effectively with team members and management to ensure a safe working environment.
Speak and understand English fluently to effectively communicate safety and job-related information, follow safety instructions, and collaborate with English-speaking supervisors and team members.

Nice To Haves

Project Management certification (PMP or equivalent) is a plus
Experience in wind industry, steel structures, or heavy manufacturing strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the overall ramp-up plan for steel tower supply in North America, from initial qualification to full production capacity
Coordinate all operational activities across suppliers, internal teams (Sourcing, Quality, Engineering, Logistics), and project stakeholders
Develop and maintain a detailed ramp-up roadmap, including capacity, resources, tooling, and production milestones
Ensure supplier readiness in terms of manufacturing capability, workforce, equipment, and industrial processes
Monitor production progress and resolve bottlenecks affecting throughput, quality, or delivery
Identify and mitigate risks impacting ramp-up (capacity constraints, material availability, quality issues, logistics limitations)
Drive alignment between demand planning and supplier execution capabilities
Track and report key KPIs (production output, on-time delivery, capacity ramp, manufacturing lead times, critical issues)
Coordinate closely with Supplier Quality (SQA) to ensure stable and scalable processes
Lead escalation management with suppliers when performance deviates from plan
Support contract execution and ensure operational commitments are met by suppliers
Implement continuous improvement actions to optimize efficiency during ramp-up
Ensure full visibility and communication to senior management on ramp-up status, risks, and mitigation actions
Other duties as assigned.