R&D Project Manager

JOA•Sheboygan Falls, WI

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 leads project portfolio activities and cross-functional teams, supports stage-gate reviews, and may lead projects directly or guide Project Engineers. It directs innovation or aftermarket projects through concept, design, build, testing, validation, and launch to market. The position collaborates with Product Management and Marketing to establish schedules, monitors and controls project progress, prepares budgets and status presentations, and communicates priorities and decisions to R&D staff. The manager also contributes to continuous improvement of the Joa Product Development Process, participates in design reviews, shares technical and project-management expertise, and may be responsible for one or more major machine platforms (Pant, Brief, or Baby Diaper). The role requires business travel, including up to approximately 20% international and domestic 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 achieving strategic and tactical goals.
Ability to recruit, select, train, and motivate employees; manage employee performance; develop and execute strategic business plans; and develop and administer project budgets.
Strong knowledge of converting equipment design principles.
Ability to use a personal computer and Microsoft Office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Willingness to travel for company business, including up to approximately 20% international and domestic travel.
Ability to work a full day on a computer.
Ability 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.
Ability 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 creation of deliverables for stage-gate reviews.
Lead cross-functional teams through project decision-making.
Prepare project budget documents.
Lead projects and/or guide Project Engineers.
Direct projects through concept, design, build, testing, validation, and launch to market.
Work with engineers, assembly personnel, and technicians to complete milestones on time and resolve issues promptly.
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.