Senior Project Manager - Manufacturing Build

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager with hands-on experience leading Greenfield manufacturing projects, specifically within foundry and metal casting environments. This role will oversee the full lifecycle of a new facility build—from site development and infrastructure through equipment installation, commissioning, and operational launch. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in cross-functional leadership and capital project execution.
This position requires regular presence at our downtown Chicago office and the ability to commute to project sites across the greater Chicago area. Relocation support is available for qualified candidates.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead all phases of a Greenfield plant build, including site prep, infrastructure development, equipment installation, and facility commissioning.
• Manage project scope, budget, timeline, and risk mitigation strategies across engineering, procurement, and construction teams.
• Collaborate with internal departments (engineering, operations, quality, EH&S) and external partners (vendors, contractors, consultants).
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and industry-specific standards throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide executive-level reporting and maintain project documentation, including charters, risk registers, and commissioning plans.
• Drive alignment across stakeholders to meet strategic and operational goals.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of project management experience in the foundry or manufacturing industry, with a focus on aluminum, magnesium, metal casting, mold design, or production processes.
• Proven success leading Greenfield manufacturing builds or major capital projects.
• Strong knowledge of foundry operations, aluminum and magnesium, metal alloys, heat treatment processes, and quality standards.
• Experience in team leadership and cross-functional collaboration to meet project milestones.
• Proficient in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) and ERP systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address production and operational challenges.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Candidates with manufacturing experience or from the automotive sector are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Must be able to commute to the downtown Chicago office and travel to project sites across the Chicago area.
• Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Preferred Credentials
• Master’s degree or certifications such as PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or CPEM.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Professional Engineer (PE) designation.
• Experience with EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) delivery models.
• Familiarity with LEED or sustainable construction practices.
• Knowledge of digital plant design tools (AutoCAD, Revit, BIM).

We are a search employment agency. Work with fortune 500 companies.

Company Description

We are a search employment agency. Work with fortune 500 companies.