Project Manager - Automation

Spartanburg County, South Carolina | On-Site | Up to 30% Travel

Are you an experienced Project Manager who understands how complex automation projects come together - from design and procurement through installation and customer acceptance?

Expert Connections is recruiting for an established industrial automation company in the Spartanburg County, South Carolina area. This role offers the opportunity to lead multiple turnkey automation projects while coordinating engineering, purchasing, suppliers, installation teams, and customers from concept through completion.

If you enjoy leading technically challenging automation projects in a collaborative, supportive environment, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

Join a team that values teamwork, work-life balance, and long-term relationships just as much as successful project execution. You'll have the autonomy to own your projects while benefiting from experienced leadership, strong cross-functional support, and a culture built on transparency and collaboration.

What You’ll Do

• Manage multiple turnkey automation projects at various stages of execution
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, milestones, and budgets
• Ensure projects are executed according to the agreed scope and contractual requirements
• Coordinate mechanical engineering, controls, robotics, purchasing, suppliers, assembly, installation, and commissioning activities
• Assign priorities and monitor the progress of cross-functional project teams
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation and recovery plans
• Monitor project expenses, labor requirements, materials, and overall financial performance
• Manage engineering changes and customer-requested scope changes
• Ensure changes are properly documented, approved, and communicated
• Provide regular project updates to internal leadership and customers
• Manage customer expectations and resolve issues that could affect timing, quality, cost, or scope
• Support design reviews, project reviews, validation, and acceptance activities
• Coordinate effectively with both domestic and international teams
• Ensure projects comply with applicable quality, safety, regulatory, and contractual standards

What We’re Looking For

• Experience managing turnkey industrial automation or capital-equipment projects
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects from concept and design through installation and acceptance
• Experience coordinating both mechanical and controls engineering activities
• Understanding of automated equipment, machine layouts, safety zones, robotics, and PLC-controlled systems
• Ability to review technical concepts and provide guidance on complex project issues
• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, resources, risks, and customer expectations
• Strong change-management and documentation skills
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct reporting authority
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with technical and commercial teams
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with Microsoft Project
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally approximately 20%–30%
• Valid passport or the ability to obtain one promptly

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within automotive automation or a comparable automated manufacturing environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field
• Project Management Professional certification or similar training

What sets this role apart:

• Structured onboarding and mentorship. Work side-by-side with the Business Unit Manager during your first several weeks before gradually taking ownership of your projects.
• Collaborative team environment. You'll work alongside another experienced Project Manager, a dedicated Project Coordinator, engineering leads, and technical specialists who share responsibility for project success.
• Healthy work-life balance. Leadership recognizes that sustained performance requires balance, creating an environment where employees are trusted to manage their work without a constant "always on" expectation.
• Supportive culture. The team values transparency, open communication, and problem-solving over finger-pointing—embracing a "no blame, no shame" mindset.
• Meaningful automation projects. Lead multiple turnkey projects involving robotics, welding, vision systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies from concept through customer acceptance.
• Growth and stability. Join an organization with a healthy project pipeline, continued investment in U.S. operations, and long-term expansion plans.
• Autonomy with support. You'll have the independence to manage your projects while still having experienced leaders and peers available whenever needed.

Location and Travel

This is an on-site position in the Spartanburg County, South Carolina area. Candidates should live within a reasonable commuting distance or be willing to relocate.

Approximately 20%–30% travel is expected and may include customer and company locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.