Creative Project Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

About Oshkosh Defense, an Oshkosh company

Oshkosh Defense stands behind those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. As an industry-leading tactical vehicle manufacturer, every day we strive to meet or exceed our customers' ever-changing needs with next generation defense technologies and advanced systems. We operate with unparalleled commitment to those who depend on our products and services worldwide to perform their missions.

JOB SUMMARY

The Project Manager is responsible for planning, leading, and executing medium to large-scale projects from initiation through closeout, ensuring alignment with business objectives, stakeholder expectations, and (where applicable) government contract and regulatory requirements. This role involves managing cross-functional teams and ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget. Projects may span product development, capital investment, manufacturing, business initiatives, or government programs.

YOUR IMPACT

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

Project Leadership & Execution

• Define project scope, goals, success criteria, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, budgets, schedules, and resource allocations.
• Lead project execution, proactively identifying and resolving issues, risks, and conflicts.
• Implement corrective actions when performance deviates from plan.
• Ensure successful project closure, validating all deliverables and outcomes.

Cross-Functional & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Lead cross-functional teams from Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, IT, Finance, and external partners.
• Serve as the primary liaison for customers (including government agencies) on small to mid-size programs or within defined areas of larger programs.
• Facilitate effective communication across internal teams, suppliers, customers, and executive stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver status updates, reports, and briefings to stakeholders, including government customers.

Monitoring, Compliance & Documentation

• Monitor progress using KPIs, earned value metrics (EVM), dashboards, and tracking tools.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including schedules, risk registers, status reports, issue logs, and performance summaries.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, quality standards, and applicable regulations (e.g., ISO, IATF 16949, FAR/DFARS).
• Support internal/external audits and manage scope change requests in coordination with contracts and legal teams.

Risk, Quality, & Process Management

• Identify and mitigate project risks; manage scope changes and implement change control procedures.
• Monitor adherence to quality and technical requirements.
• Drive process improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

Support & Development

• Support proposal development and cost estimation efforts for new opportunities.
• Monitor junior team members and contribute to the development of PMO tools, templates, and best practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and three (3) or more years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the role.

STANDOUT QUALIFICATIONS

• PMP or CAPM certification.
• Experience in government or defense contracting; familiarity with FAR/DFARS.
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, macros, VBA) and reporting experience with Power BI or Tableau.
• Knowledge of SDLC, Agile/SCRUM, ECNs, and phase gate processes.
• Understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, or CMMI frameworks.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complete project lifecycles.
• Strong knowledge of Agile and Waterfall methodologies.
• Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), SharePoint.
• Ability to travel as needed.

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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.