Senior Project Manager

Summary:

The Senior Project Manager owns the Project Management Office (PMO) function for Chadds Ford Operations. This role is accountable for developing and maturing PMO processes, procedures, and standards; directing the full project management team, including Project Managers and Project Administrators; and personally, managing a portfolio of the organization’s most complex and strategic projects. The Senior Project Manager reports to the Director of Operations and ensures the PMO delivers projects on time, within budget, and to a consistently high-quality standard across a rapidly growing Dome Manufacturing environment.  The ideal candidate is a creative individual who has rigorous attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects while directing a team. We are looking for versatile candidates who can demonstrate their ability to solve challenging problems of all kinds, lead and develop others, and garner a deep understanding of business processes.

Responsibilities:

PMO Leadership and Team Management

• Develop, document, and continuously improve PMO processes, procedures, templates, and standards used across all Project Managers and Project Administrators.
• Directly manage and mentor the Project Management team, including Project Managers and Project Administrators, providing coaching, workload balancing, and performance feedback.
• Delegate project assignments to Project Managers and administrative or support tasks to Project Administrators based on project complexity, priority, and team capacity.
• Set and enforce PMO-wide standards for project documentation, reporting cadence, and stage gate processes.
• Serve as the escalation point for Project Managers on complex scheduling, resourcing, client, or cross-functional conflicts.
• Identify training needs and development opportunities for the Project Management team.

Project Delivery

• Actively manage an assigned portfolio of the organization’s most complex, high-visibility, or strategic projects to ensure they are delivered on-time, within scope, and within budget.
• Actively manage and coordinate project stage gate meetings and related processes across the PMO.
• Assist in the definition of project scope and objectives, involving all relevant internal stakeholders and ensuring technical feasibility.
• Manage changes to project scope, schedule, and cost using appropriate verification techniques.
• Manage relationships with clients and relevant stakeholders on assigned projects.
• Perform risk management to minimize potential risks across the project portfolio.
• Create, submit, and maintain comprehensive project documentation.
• Track project performance across the PMO portfolio, analyzing successful completion of short and long-term goals.
• Track and record budgetary objectives and adjust project constraints based on financial analysis. Update reports and communicate project and PMO status to senior leadership. Actively drive actions toward improving project gaps.
• Develop comprehensive project plans to be shared with clients and other relevant stakeholders.
• Provide project and PMO updates on a consistent basis to various stakeholders about strategy, adjustments, and progress.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Engineering, Production Control, Manufacturing, Shipping, Accounting, Payroll, and Installation to plan the scheduling of resources and priorities across the full project portfolio.
• Oversee domestic and international logistics and coordination, including site labor, scaffolding, equipment, and shipping.
• Oversee domestic and international installation schedules and assignment of installation crews and supervisors.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and recommend practical process improvements that enhance PMO and organizational efficiencies.
• Actively participate in and lead continuous improvement activities such as 5S events, Kaizen events, weekly CIP meetings, problem solving, and improvement projects, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to identify process gaps and continuously improve processes.
• Develop and improve documentation by working cross-functionally with the team, including SOPs, work instructions, training materials, and customer-facing guides with clarity, professionalism, and consistency.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Management, Business, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering (or related field) required.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methods (formal certification or on-the-job experience) preferred.
• Seeking 7+ years of experience in project management, including experience building or leading a PMO function; experience with international projects a plus.
• 3+ years of experience directly managing or leading other project managers or a project team.
• 5+ years of experience in a business with a manufacturing environment and installations of prefabricated structures or equipment.
• Experience in custom or project-based manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Relevant experience with project management software tools, methodologies, and best practices; hands-on experience with Jira is strongly preferred.
• Start-up DNA: Willing to roll up sleeves, do foundational work, and test new approaches. Able to deftly prioritize. Comfortable with ambiguity, unhindered by change and uncertainty, and can methodically work through complex problems.
• A proven ability to adapt to changing schedules and see projects through the full life cycle.
• Eager to collaborate with team members to solve tough problems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and Outlook; experience with ERP and document control systems strongly preferred.
• Exceptional written communication skills, with an ability to produce clear and professional communication.

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical documentation.

Work Environment:

• Work takes place primarily in an office environment but also spends time in manufacturing and construction settings.
• Occasional exposure to noise, dust, and temperature fluctuations typical of a shop floor or loading area.
• Occasional travel, 25%.
• During site visits and installation support, the employee may be on his/her feet for extended periods (up to 6-8 hours per day).
• Occasional work at heights on installation sites, with proper PPE and fall protection.
• Occasional work in environments that are not climate controlled, primarily at manufacturing or installation sites.