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

About Columbus McKinnon:

Columbus McKinnon is a leading worldwide designer, manufacturer and marketer of intelligent motion solutions that move the world forward and improve lives by efficiently and ergonomically moving, lifting, positioning and securing materials. Key products include hoists, crane components, precision conveyor systems, rigging tools, light rail workstations and digital power and motion control systems. We are focused on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by our superior design and engineering know-how. Columbus McKinnon is a publicly traded company that has been in business for almost 150 years - proud of our heritage, where we come from, and where we're going. As Columbus McKinnon grows globally, so does our need for driven and inspired employees. Join our winning team!

Columbus McKinnon Corporation promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes. We also value the safety of all associates and work hard to maintain a Drug Free Workplace.

Nearest Major Market: Waukesha

Nearest Secondary Market: Milwaukee