Project Manager

Title: Project Manager (Manufacturing)
Location: Carol Stream, IL
Hire Type: Contract (6+ months)
Compensation: $60-65/hr W2
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.
Must have Skill Set: 

• Manufacturing project management experience
• Cross-functional leadership and stakeholder coordination
• Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement knowledge
• Project scheduling, budgeting, and resource management

Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Project Manager to lead cross-functional initiatives that improve production processes, support new product launches, and drive operational excellence. This role partners closely with engineering, operations, quality, safety, and manufacturing teams to ensure projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with quality and safety standards. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator with experience managing manufacturing projects in a fast-paced production environment. 

Job Duties: 

• Lead manufacturing projects from planning through implementation, including scope, timelines, budgets, and project deliverables.
• Coordinate new product introductions, equipment installations, production line changes, and process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and EHS to ensure successful project execution.
• Develop and maintain project schedules while monitoring milestones, risks, and resource allocation.
• Track project budgets, forecast costs, and manage expenditures to meet financial objectives.
• Identify production challenges, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles.
• Communicate project progress, priorities, and risks to leadership and key stakeholders.
• Ensure projects comply with company quality standards, food safety requirements, and workplace safety regulations.
• Support production ramp-ups while minimizing operational disruptions.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related technical field preferred.
• 3+ years of project management experience within a manufacturing, industrial, or production environment.
• Experience leading cross-functional manufacturing projects from initiation through completion.
• Working knowledge of project scheduling software (MS Project or similar) and ERP systems.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.
• PMP and/or Lean Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both in an office environment and on the manufacturing floor while following required safety and PPE guidelines.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.