Operations Project Manager

Job DescriptionJob Description

Operations Project Manager – NPI & Nearshoring

Job Summary:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and results-driven Project Manager to lead and coordinate key operational initiatives, with a strong focus on nearshoring manufacturing activities and supporting new product introductions (NPIs). This role will also oversee related projects such as packaging transitions, cost-saving initiatives, and supplier integrations. The ideal candidate is experienced in operations, supply chain, or manufacturing environments and has a proven track record of successfully managing complex, cross-functional projects from initiation through implementation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Nearshoring Manufacturing Projects
o Lead end-to-end project planning and execution of nearshoring initiatives, including site selection, supplier onboarding, and production transfers.
o Collaborate with cross-functional teams including supply chain, quality, regulatory, finance, and legal to ensure seamless transitions.
o Conduct risk assessments and develop contingency plans for supply chain disruptions or quality issues during the transition.

• New Product Introduction (NPI) Operations Support
o Lead the operational planning and execution of NPIs, ensuring manufacturing readiness across internal and external partners.
o Coordinate with R&D, engineering, supply chain, and production teams to align on timelines, resource planning, and launch deliverables.
o Drive procurement and sourcing of components and raw materials required for new product builds; manage supplier ramp-up activities.
o Identify and mitigate risks related to manufacturability, supply constraints, and cost targets during NPI planning.
o Support validation builds, production trials, and scale-up activities to ensure a successful operational launch.

• Operations Project Management
o Manage various operations-focused projects such as packaging design changes, raw material substitutions, and vendor consolidation.
o Coordinate activities across departments to ensure timely project delivery and cost targets are met.
o Ensure compliance with internal standards and external regulatory requirements during project execution.

• Stakeholder Communication
o Serve as the central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
o Prepare and present project status updates, dashboards, and executive summaries to leadership.
o Maintain project documentation, timelines, and progress reports using project management tools.

• Process Improvement
o Identify and implement process improvement opportunities related to supply chain, production efficiency, and operational costs.
o Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and impact of projects.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related field; PMP certification is a plus.
• 5+ years of project management experience, including 2+ years managing nearshoring, reshoring, or offshoring manufacturing projects.
• Experience supporting New Product Introductions (NPIs) from an operations perspective in manufacturing, supply chain, or engineering settings.
• Strong knowledge of project management tools (e.g., Asana, Smartsheet, MS Project, or similar).
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in Spanish is a strong plus.

Skills:
• Experience with contract manufacturing partners in Mexico or Latin America.
• Familiarity with packaging engineering or logistics optimization.
• Understanding of import/export regulations and international trade practices.

Travel Requirement:
• Up to 15-25% travel to supplier sites, manufacturing partners, or nearshoring locations (primarily within North America or Latin America).