Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

The R&D Project Manager will oversee and manage projects across all product categories within the R&D department, including Retail, Digital, Access, and Material Handling products. This role is responsible for ensuring that projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. The R&D Project Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, sales, marketing, and product management, to ensure successful project execution from concept to production implementation.

Company and Opportunity Overview

Wanzl North America’s vision is to be the leading entrepreneurial player in terms of market share, agility, and game-changing solutions. WNA is a solution provider, creating value along the supply chain of our customers, from the online purchase to the delivery to their customers.

WNA, which includes the Technibilt and Cari-All brands, is headquartered in Newton, North Carolina. With nearly 500 employees and 175 MUSD of sales, WNA focuses on the retail and distribution market segments with marquee customers such as Walmart, Amazon, and the majority of large grocers and retailers.

In addition to being the largest manufacturer of shopping carts in North America, WNA has three (3) additional main product segments as well as a Service business, providing turnkey solutions for customer guidance (Access Systems) and Shelving & Fixtures, as well as Material Handling/Rolling Stock products. WNA is active in building a “digital” business line with products for shopping cart containment, smart exit gate technology, and solutions for autonomous and/or semi-autonomous retail stores.

WNA is part of the Wanzl group, headquartered in Germany and has 12 plants in 8 countries, providing comprehensive, solutions-drive service and expert knowledge of local markets for customers across the globe through their 360&degree; service.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project Management:
  1. Lead and manage multiple projects across all product categories within the R&D department.
  2. Develop detailed project plans, including scope, timelines, resource allocation, and budget.
  3. Monitor project progress and make adjustments as necessary to ensure successful completion.
  4. Coordinate with cross-functional teams (engineering, sales, marketing, product management, operations) to ensure alignment and effective communication.
  5. Identify and mitigate project risks and issues.
  6. Ensure all project deliverables meet quality standards and customer requirements.
• Stakeholder Communication:
  1. Serve as the primary point of contact for project-related communications.
  2. Provide regular updates to senior management on project status, including progress, risks, and issues.
  3. Facilitate project meetings and ensure effective communication among team members.
• Resource Management:
  1. Allocate resources effectively to ensure project success.
  2. Manage project budgets and ensure cost-effective use of resources.
  3. Coordinate with external vendors and suppliers as needed.
• Process Improvement:
  1. Continuously seek opportunities for process improvement within the project management function.
  2. Develop and implement best practices for project management within the R&D department.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  1. Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, status reports, and risk management plans.
  2. Prepare and present project reports to senior management and other stakeholders.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
• Minimum seven (7) years of experience in project management, preferably within an R&D or engineering environment.
• Stage Gate process experience is required.
• Proven experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies and tools.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, SmartSheets, etc).
• PMP or similar project management certification is a plus.

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