Project Manager

Job Title: Project Manager

Job Description

This role leads the implementation of a new ERP system while overseeing a high volume of ongoing projects in a manufacturing and operations-driven environment. The Project Manager develops and standardizes operational processes, manages a team of project coordinators and data entry personnel, and drives continuous process improvement across departments. The position requires strong cross-functional collaboration, clear customer-facing communication, and a focus on operational efficiency as the organization scales.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of a new ERP implementation, ensuring internal tasks, timelines, and deliverables stay on track.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for project management and operational processes.
• Support external audit reviews by preparing documentation, addressing findings, and executing corrective action plans.
• Lead and manage a team of Assistant Project Managers, Project Coordinators, and Data Entry personnel, providing day-to-day direction and oversight.
• Prepare performance documentation, coaching notes, and other written communications to support team development and accountability.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and drive continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency and workflow across departments.
• Maintain and oversee daily and weekly project schedules to ensure timely execution and on-time delivery of all projects.
• Coordinate with third-party logistics (3PL) providers from RFQ through scheduling and order fulfillment to support seamless delivery.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Engineering, Service, Assembly, Fabrication, Finance, Operations, and HR to align priorities and project timelines.
• Utilize ERP systems to track project status, monitor inventory, and provide real-time updates to stakeholders.
• Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Correction of Error (COE) investigations, implementing recovery and prevention strategies to reduce repeat quality or delivery issues.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, including milestones, risk mitigation strategies, and resource allocation.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings to ensure alignment, resolve conflicts, and maintain project momentum.
• Establish, monitor, and manage departmental KPIs to drive accountability, transparency, and performance improvements.
• Lead department meetings to ensure cross-functional alignment, clear communication, and operational clarity.
• Oversee the full project lifecycle from initiation through completion, ensuring scope, schedule, and quality requirements are met.
• Formulate performance goals and development plans that align team member success with organizational objectives.
• Document and deliver constructive feedback, coaching, and performance evaluations to foster growth and high performance.
• Own capacity forecasting and workforce scheduling to ensure optimal staffing levels across multiple concurrent projects.
• Proactively account for attrition trends, holiday schedules, seasonal fluctuations, unit size variability, and project timelines to maintain operational efficiency and service levels.
• Oversee the workflow of approximately 60 active projects, ensuring work progresses smoothly from quote to kickoff, production, and shipment.
• Support escalation on customer issues, join and lead customer calls when needed, and maintain project timelines with customers.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal leadership regarding project coordination and operational updates.
• Identify workflow bottlenecks between Sales, Engineering, Fabrication, and Production and implement improvements to enhance project flow.
• Step in hands-on when operational issues arise, helping to resolve problems quickly and maintain continuity of operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including contributing general process improvement ideas and suggestions.

Essential Skills

• 5–10+ years of project management experience, preferably in an operations-driven or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing multiple concurrent projects, including high-volume project portfolios.
• Experience managing or overseeing small teams (approximately 3–5 people) with responsibility for direction, escalation handling, and output quality.
• Experience in physical operations such as manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, production, sales, and other operational teams.
• Strong customer-facing communication skills, including experience joining client calls, managing escalations, and maintaining project timelines with customers.
• Proven ability to identify operational bottlenecks and implement workflow improvements.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems for tracking projects, monitoring inventory, and reporting status.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to oversee approximately 60 active projects and maintain clear priorities.
• Experience with capacity forecasting, workforce scheduling, and managing staffing levels across multiple projects.
• Ability to conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and implement Correction of Error (COE) actions.
• Strong meeting facilitation skills for leading stakeholder and departmental meetings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing performance documentation, coaching notes, and stakeholder updates.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• ERP system experience with any platform is required.
• Exposure to ERP implementation projects is a significant plus, particularly with Epicor.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience coordinating with third-party logistics (3PL) providers from RFQ through order fulfillment.
• Familiarity with establishing and managing departmental KPIs.
• Experience supporting external audits, including documentation preparation and corrective action planning.
• Demonstrated process improvement mindset and comfort working in a growing, scaling organization.
• Ability to provide coaching, performance evaluations, and development plans for team members.
• Interest in opportunities that may convert to permanent employment in a growing company.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role, working Monday through Friday. The position is based across two nearby locations, with some days spent at one site and some at another, approximately a short drive apart. The environment is closely tied to manufacturing and physical operations, requiring regular interaction with Sales, Engineering, Fabrication, Production, Service, Assembly, Finance, Operations, HR, and third-party logistics partners. Work involves frequent use of ERP systems and other operational tools to monitor project status, inventory, and schedules. The setting is fast-paced and growth-oriented, with a strong focus on cross-functional collaboration, continuous process improvement, and hands-on problem solving as the company scales.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Union, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52.88 - $57.69/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

• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Union,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 23, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.