JOB SUMMARY

The Production Project Manager is responsible for managing retail display and packaging projects from development through production and final delivery. This role oversees domestic and international manufacturing partners, coordinates schedules and budgets, supports prototyping and engineering change documentation, and ensures quality and design integrity throughout the production lifecycle. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, technical manufacturing knowledge, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.

SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY

The Production Project Manager owns day-to-day execution of assigned production projects and is accountable for delivering finished goods on time, within budget, and to quality standards. This role works closely with account management, development, engineering, and logistics teams as well as external manufacturing vendors to ensure projects progress from concept to distribution seamlessly. The Production Project Manager is responsible for identifying risks, documenting production and engineering issues, escalating concerns appropriately, and implementing solutions that support project objectives and client expectations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage all aspects of assigned projects to ensure on-time and accurate delivery of orders

• Follow up on status for domestic and international production with manufacturing vendors

• Generate manufacturing orders and prepare projects for production readiness

• Support project development efforts, including feasibility reviews and material considerations

• Assist with prototype builds and document engineering changes

• Document engineering and production issues and support corrective actions

• Support packaging submissions, including design review and drop testing coordination

• Utilize Microsoft D365 ERP to enter project BOMs, create purchase orders and support production planning

• Review and approve proofs, dielines, and first article/

• Identify, document, and communicate potential quality concerns

• Ensure projects remain within approved budgets and timelines

• Maintain design integrity and quality standards throughout production

• Submit instruction sheets requests and provide supporting documentation

• support shipping logistics coordination and identify any special shipping requirements

• Work with line leads to approve first articles and finished goods pack outs

KEY INTERFACES (NON-REPORTING)

This role collaborates regularly with:

• Account Management Team

• Development Team

• Design & Creative Teams

• Engineering

• Production Line Leads

• Quality Assurance

• Supply Chain & Logistics

• Packaging & Testing Vendors

• Domestic and International Manufacturing Partners

• Purchasing (budget tracking and cost approvals)

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Success in this role will be measured against metrics including but not limited to:

• Ontime project delivery performance

• Budget adherence and cost variance

• Quality metrics (defect rates, rework, and first article approval success)

• Responsiveness to production issues and effectiveness of resolutions

• Stakeholder satisfaction (internal teams and manufacturing partners)

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3 to 5 years experience in a POP or manufacturing organization

• Proven experience managing production projects for retail displays and/or packaging

• Experience coordinating domestic and international production and shipping

• Ability to read and interpret Engineering Bills of Materials (BOMs)

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

• Experience working within ERP systems (Microsoft D365 preferred)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes including (preferred but not required):

• Corrugated packaging

• Printing

• Vacuum forming

• Plastic fabrication

• Wood fabrication

• Metal fabrication

• Finishing processes such as painting and powder coating

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Problem Solver – Proactively identifies production issues and develops practical, timely solutions

• Independent Contributor – Manages workload with minimal supervision while knowing when to escalate issues

• Budget Focused – Makes decisions with cost awareness and accountability

• Deadline Driven – Thrives in fast paced environments with firm delivery timelines

• Quality Focused – Maintains high standards and attention to detail across all production stages

• Results Oriented – Drives projects to completion with a focus on outcomes

• Team Player – Collaborates effectively across departments and with external partners

• Highly Organized – Manages multiple projects and priorities simultaneously

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Working conditions are in a normal office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, and stand, using hands to handle, finger, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Occasionally, the employee must crouch or kneel. The employee must occasionally exert or lift up to 20 pounds. Successful performance requires good eyesight with or without corrective lenses. Requires long periods of time working at a computer and includes phone work. Travel up to 20% of the time is required and is an essential function of this position.

DISCLAIMER

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.