R&D Project Manager

JOA Human Resources • Sheboygan Falls, WI

1d

About The Position

The R&D Project Manager manages the portfolio of R&D projects, coordinates priorities, and provides direction using the Joa product development process from opportunity through market implementation. The role oversees project progress and stage-gate preparation, leads cross-functional project decisions, and may lead projects directly or guide Project Engineers. It directs innovation or aftermarket projects through concept, design, build, testing, validation, and market launch, while coordinating schedules and monitoring project progress with Product Management and Marketing. The position also communicates project status and decisions, supports continuous improvement of the product development process, participates in design reviews, and may manage one or more major machine platforms: Pant, Brief, or Baby Diaper.

The role requires collaboration with engineers, assembly personnel, technicians, the platform leader, and other company personnel. It includes preparing budget documents and status-report presentations, sharing project management and technical expertise, and safeguarding proprietary company information and equipment. The position requires business travel, including approximately up to 20% domestic and international travel.

Requirements

• Education generally equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of engineering and/or project management experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for communicating with engineering and manufacturing staff and customers about equipment design and construction issues.
• Strong leadership abilities to inspire and coach employees in accomplishing strategic and tactical goals and tasks.
• Leadership capabilities that may include recruiting, selecting, training, and motivating employees; managing employee performance; developing and executing strategic business plans; and developing and administering project budgets.
• Strong knowledge of converting equipment design principles.
• Ability to use a personal computer and Microsoft Office software, including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications.
• Willingness to travel for company business, including up to approximately 20% domestic and international travel.
• Ability to work a full day on a computer.
• Capability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Proficiency in using hand tools and monitoring/testing equipment.
• Occasional ability to climb a ladder and maneuver into tight spaces.
• Capability to work in a loud environment without air conditioning during machine commissioning and problem-solving.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including safety shoes, glasses, and ear protection.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced training in engineering or business administration.
• Specific training relating to project management.

Responsibilities

• Manage the priority and progress of projects within the innovation funnel.
• Lead preparation and deliverable creation for stage-gate reviews.
• Lead cross-functional teams through project decision-making.
• Prepare budget documents.
• Lead projects and/or guide Project Engineers.
• Direct project concept, design, build, and testing through validation and market launch.
• Lead through influence and coordinate with engineers, assembly personnel, and technicians to complete milestones and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Establish project schedules in collaboration with Product Management and Marketing.
• Monitor and control project progress.
• Prepare and deliver periodic R&D project status-report presentations.
• Communicate priorities and decisions to R&D project staff.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of the Joa Product Development Process.
• Interact with the platform leader regarding machine-design changes and communicate changes throughout the organization.
• Participate in design reviews and comply with design standards.
• Share technical knowledge and project management expertise with company personnel.
• Ensure the security of company proprietary information and equipment.
• Manage one or more major machine platforms: Pant, Brief, or Baby Diaper.
• Travel for company business, including domestic and international travel.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager