Contract Creative Project Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI

At Oshkosh, we build, serve and protect people and communities around the world by designing and manufacturing some of the toughest specialty trucks and access equipment. We employ over 18,000 team members all united by a common purpose. Our engineering and product innovation help keep soldiers and firefighters safe, is critical in building and keeping communities clean and helps people do their jobs every day.

JOB SUMMARY

As a Senior Project Manager, you will lead complex, high-impact initiatives that span functions, department, and geographic regions. Your responsibilities will include full lifecycle ownership-from strategy and planning to execution, monitoring, and closeout-across commercial and government environments. You will manage cross-functional teams and ensure alignment with business goals, contract obligations, and regulatory standards. This role demands strategic thinking, technical acumen, and a proven ability to deliver outcomes in dynamic, high-stakes environments. You will also contribute to maturing PMO practices, mentoring junior staff, and driving continuous improvement.

YOUR IMPACT

These duties are not meant to be all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned:

Project Leadership

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of medium to large-scale projects and programs across commercial and/or government sectors.
• Oversee the complete project lifecycle including scope definition, requirements, design, development, testing, deployment, and sustainment.
• Develop and manage integrated project/program plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Define vision, KPIs, and success criteria aligned with business strategy and contractual requirements.
• Drive compliance with internal standards and regulatory frameworks (e.g., ISO, CMMI, ITAR, FAR/DFARS).

Stakeholder & Communication Management

• Serve as the primary liaison for customers, including senior business leaders and government officials (Cos, PMs, and technical reps).
• Build alignment across executive and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Lead program reviews and communicate risks, issues, and performance updates to leadership and external stakeholders.
• Manage customer relationships, proposal efforts (SOWs, RFQs), and contract reviews.

Execution Discipline & Risk Management

• Monitor scope, schedule, cost, and performance; apply Earned Value Management (EVM) and cost control techniques.
• Identify risks and issues early, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure effective resolution.
• Ensure contract deliverables and government reporting requirements are met on time and within budget.

Strategic Impact & Growth

• Support capture and pursuit efforts for new program opportunities.
• Drive program expansion by identifying adjacent opportunities and influencing customer requirements.
• Lead internal strategic initiatives including agile transformation, process standardization, and digital program execution.

Team Development & PMO Maturity

• Mentor and coach junior project managers and team members.
• Contribute to the evolution of PMO tools, templates, governance models, and reporting capabilities.
• Champion process improvement efforts through Lean, Six Sigma, and digital manufacturing strategies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and six (6) or more years of relevant experience (equivalent to twelve (12) years total in education and experience); or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the role.

STANDOUT QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree (MBA, Engineering Management, or related field).
• PMP, PgMP, or SAFe Agile certification.
• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, macros) and proficiency with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence), SharePoint, and Power BI.
• Familiarity with product lifecycle frameworks (e.g., PDP, APQP).
• Strong decision-making skills in dynamic, high-stakes environments.
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide or multi-phase initiatives.
• Proficiency in project management tools (Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Primavera P6).
• Strong knowledge of Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid methodologies.
• Experience in regulated environments such as defense, aerospace, or manufacturing.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Pay Range:

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability for any part of the employment process, please contact us at corporatetalentacquisition@oshkoshcorp.com.

Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer.Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.

Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.

Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.