Project Manager I - Systems & Program Office
2 days ago
Tucson
Job DescriptionJob Title: Manager I – Systems & Program Office (Entry-Level Project Manager, Manufacturing Operations) Job Description This onsite entry-level Project Manager role in Manufacturing Operations focuses on planning, coordinating, and delivering multiple, less complex projects that support operational excellence. You will manage project timelines, resources, and budgets, drive cross-functional collaboration, and leverage project management tools to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and in compliance with quality and regulatory requirements. The position offers an opportunity to apply and grow your project management skills in a dynamic operations environment while contributing to impactful product and process outcomes. Responsibilities • Manage all aspects of various projects of lower complexity within Manufacturing Operations, from initiation through delivery., • Interface with all areas affected by or supporting the project, including cross-functional teams and external vendors or customers., • Assemble project teams, assign individual responsibilities, identify appropriate resources, and develop schedules to ensure timely project completion., • Monitor project progress against timelines, scope, and deliverables, including tracking and reporting on budget and spending., • Manage project team information to support decision-making for project teams and leadership committees., • Ensure quality implementation on projects through robust project risk management, critical path analysis, scenario creation and analysis, budgeting, and detailed planning., • Proactively identify and communicate project issues, risks, and potential bottlenecks to a wide range of stakeholders, and propose options to close gaps and get projects back on schedule., • Create, coordinate, and maintain integrated project plans in the Project Portfolio Management (PPM) tool or equivalent systems., • Manage preparation for project milestone reviews, including gathering data, preparing materials, and coordinating participants., • Plan and lead project meetings, including setting agendas, organizing meeting time, facilitating discussions, and documenting and distributing meeting minutes., • Execute standard project management processes and methodologies, following best practices and organizational guidelines., • Share knowledge and lessons learned to foster continuous improvement in project teams and promote best practices., • Perform other project-related duties as assigned to support successful project execution and portfolio health., • Effectively communicate project status and potential cross-functional impacts within the project portfolio to team members and extended leadership., • Communicate clearly and professionally with interdepartmental teams and external vendors or customers regarding project needs, status, and issues., • Elevate concerns proactively to leadership with sufficient detail on issues, likely impacts, and recommended solutions to support informed decision-making., • Participate actively in staff meetings and relevant cross-functional forums., • Collaborate closely with technical teams to support product launches and ensure alignment between project plans and technical deliverables., • Act as a backup for other project manager team members to ensure continuity in project execution and tracking., • Leverage technology tools to deliver project solutions that improve productivity, reduce costs, and simplify processes., • Apply lean tools and a lean mindset to evaluate group processes and execute process simplification where needed., • Operate with a strong safety and quality mindset in all project activities., • Complete all required training in a timely manner to meet internal and external compliance requirements., • Maintain quality system compliance by following processes and procedures as written and keeping process information and documentation current., • Support internal and external audits and regulatory inspections as requested, providing project-related documentation and information., • Use current Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and other enterprise tools as required for project documentation and tracking.Essential Skills, • At least 2 years of project management, product development, and/or relevant experience in an operations or similar environment., • Experience with Smartsheet or Planisware for project planning and tracking., • Proficiency in Microsoft Project and/or a Project Portfolio Management (PPM) tool., • Experience using Google Suite products for communication, collaboration, and documentation., • Demonstrated ability as a critical thinker who excels in stakeholder management and can influence without direct authority., • Proven skill in driving results in an Operations environment, delivering against timelines and milestones., • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences., • Ability to partner, collaborate, and work effectively cross-functionally with technical, operational, and business teams., • Solid situational assessment and decision-making skills, including the ability to evaluate trade-offs and escalate appropriately., • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to coordinate project-related activities across multiple functions., • Ability to manage projects to achieve key activities and milestones required for successful product or project launch., • Familiarity with Design Control and/or phased development processes (preferred but important to the role)., • Formal project management training and/or certification such as PMP, Agile, or Scrum Master (preferred).Additional Skills & Qualifications, • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field., • Project management-specific training and/or certification (e.g., PMP, Agile, Scrum Master, or other recognized project management certifications) preferred., • Understanding of quality systems and regulatory environments, including maintaining documentation and following established procedures., • Experience working in a manufacturing or operations environment is advantageous., • Ability to operate with a lean mindset, using lean tools to streamline processes and eliminate waste., • Comfort working with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and other enterprise tools., • Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously., • High level of accountability, ownership, and follow-through on commitments and deliverables.Work Environment This is a fully onsite position in a Manufacturing Operations setting, working closely with cross-functional teams such as technical, quality, operations, and external partners. The role relies heavily on digital project management tools, including Smartsheet or Planisware, Microsoft Project or other Project Portfolio Management (PPM) tools, Google Suite, and PLM systems. You will participate in regular staff meetings, project reviews, and cross-functional sessions, often leading or facilitating discussions to drive project progress. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, compliance with established processes, and continuous improvement through lean principles. Work typically follows standard business hours, with flexibility as needed to meet project milestones and support key reviews or audits. The culture values collaboration, transparent communication, and a strong focus on delivering high-quality outcomes that support efficient operations and successful product launches. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Oro Valley, AZ. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $36.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision, • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital, • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available, • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents), • Short and long-term disability, • Health Spending Account (HSA), • Transportation benefits, • Employee Assistance Program • Hiring diverse talent, • Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection, • Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.