Project Manager

International Paper•Carol Stream, IL

16d•Onsite

About The Position

Directly responsible for project management functions relating to a complex customer base, or complex launch promotional projects, including interaction with the customer’s decision makers. Supports sales in estimating and preparing quotes by reviewing customer expectations and capturing costs associated with manufacturing and value-added services. Prices under established guidelines as set forth by Sales Manager & General Manager. Validates sales contracts and purchase orders; ensures agreements are in place and properly managed. Coordinates appropriate approvals including proof approvals, draw-downs, press checks, and design changes incorporating understanding of art, bleed, and registration for production. May lead or participate in First Article Check/Press Checks to validate that components are manufactured and the display is built according to specifications. Builds order specifications, prepares material plans, places orders for materials with pre-approved vendors, creates bill of materials, enters sales orders in the order entry system, handles miscellaneous invoicing, and maintains appropriate records. Engages design department in scope of project to define and resolve issues. Recommends changes based on account and manufacturing knowledge (i.e., routing, preprint vs. litho, etc.). Leads preproduction meetings and develops timelines for order/project execution and customer on boarding by acting as filters of information and facilitator of communication flow between departments in the facility and external parties. Sets up new warehouse accounts requiring building, monitoring, replenishing of inventory, both raw material and finished goods as applies. Investigates and resolves customer complaints by involving appropriate departments and suppliers to resolve issues. Seeks guidance for process solutions; ensures special work instructions are changed in spec process to complete corrective action for future repeat orders. Has a high level of authority to resolve issues within current processes. Is proficient at the fundamentals of project management and applies principles within the established systems to facilitate the execution of the work.

Requirements

Customer/retailer requirements are typically complex in nature and often have multi-faceted aspects, including high dollar inventories and multiple SKUs that flow through our facility or through outsourced pack-out suppliers.
The life cycle of a particular project from RFQ to execution may be lengthy (in excess of 6 months) so the opportunity to learn and execute project management processes may also be lengthy.
Fast-paced, constantly changing culture that requires a high level of internal collaboration, frequent interaction, and effective communication with sales, project management, manufacturing, contract packaging, logistics, and finance.
Direct interaction with customers, external and internal business contacts, external vendors, suppliers, and contractors.
Comfortable working independently but also adept at working closely with and influencing internal stakeholders.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and imminently accurate with data.
Ability to multi-task and effectively use priority management skills is critical.
Capable and comfortable of knowing when to challenge the “norm,” pushing the envelope, helping with continuous improvement, and eliminating waste.
Able to operate within defined systems (Macola, HRMS, SAP, Access databases, customer’s systems).
Three to five years work experience in customer service, business-to-business inside sales, order management, purchasing, or manufacturing planning.
Well-developed understanding of the corrugated industry and processes.
Understanding of manufacturing equipment capabilities, retail & display packaging needs, and how orders can most effectively flow through the facility.
Knowledge of various printing processes and methods to get artwork applied to retail packaging and display.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or BA/BS preferred, commensurate work experience in customer service, inside sales, or other management roles.
May serve in a mentor/coach to both CSRs & PMs for both mentor and cross training opportunities based on their current capabilities and or customer base.

Responsibilities

Manage project management functions for complex customer bases or promotional projects.
Interact with customer decision-makers.
Support sales in estimating and preparing quotes.
Review customer expectations and capture manufacturing costs.
Price projects under established guidelines.
Validate sales contracts and purchase orders.
Coordinate approvals (proofs, draw-downs, press checks, design changes).
Lead or participate in First Article Checks/Press Checks.
Build order specifications and prepare material plans.
Place orders for materials with pre-approved vendors.
Create bills of materials.
Enter sales orders in the order entry system.
Handle miscellaneous invoicing and maintain records.
Engage the design department to define and resolve issues.
Recommend changes based on account and manufacturing knowledge.
Lead preproduction meetings and develop timelines.
Facilitate communication flow between departments and external parties.
Set up new warehouse accounts, monitor and replenish inventory.
Investigate and resolve customer complaints.
Ensure special work instructions are updated for corrective action.
Resolve issues within current processes.
Apply project management principles within established systems.