Project Specialist

Join a team that values balance, open communication, and your future!

Dorner Manufacturing, a Columbus McKinnon Organization, is growing, and we're looking for people who want more than just a job-they want a workplace where they can thrive. Enjoy a culture that prioritizes your work-life balance, leaders who communicate openly, and a company committed to continuous growth and innovation. Discover a career where you can make a difference and still make time for what matters most, apply now!

Job Summary/Overview

The Project Specialist is responsible for efficiently managing a high volume of lower-complexity engineered-to-order projects from order entry through shipment. This role focuses on standardized project execution, customer communication, and internal coordination using a defined workflow and limited touchpoints. The Project Specialist will manage approximately 25-30 concurrent projects, ensuring timely progression through key milestones while maintaining a high level of customer responsiveness and accuracy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Project Ownership

• Manage 25-30 active projects simultaneously within a structured, repeatable process
• Ensure all assigned projects progress on schedule from order entry to shipment
• Maintain accurate project records in ERP and project management systems

Customer Communication

• Project Introduction

• Initiate contact with customer after order receipt

• Confirm scope, gather missing information, and clarify expectations

• Approval Stage

• Coordinate delivery of submittals/drawing

• Track and secure customer approvals

• Ship Date Confirmation:

• Communicate expected shipment timing

• Align customer expectations with production schedule

• Shipment & Tracking:

• Notify customer upon shipment

• Provide tracking details and final documentation

• Internal Coordination

• Coordinate with engineering, production, and purchasing to ensure timely execution

• Escalate issues that fall outside standard scope or timelines

• Ensure all required inputs are received prior to engineering release

• Support smooth handoff between departments

• Process Execution

• Follow standardized workflows, templates, and checklists

• Track milestone completion and proactively address delays

• Maintain detailed and clear documentation for each project

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency in repetitive processes

Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage a high volume of work with accuracy
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented with process-driven mindset
• Comfortable working within structured workflows
• Basic ability to read and interpret engineering drawings (preferred but not required)
• Strong customer service orientation

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred (Engineering, Business, or related field) OR equivalent experience
• 1-4 years of project coordination, customer service, or manufacturing support experience
• Experience working with ERP or project tracking systems preferred

Benefits

• Free coffee daily
• 11 paid holidays
• Vacation and paid sick time
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance, effective day 1
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition assistance
• Disability insurance
• Dress for your day