Entry Level Technical Project Manager Jobs in Minnesota

Description

Sportech is a rapidly growing company in Elk River, MN. We are looking for talented people who wish to join a values-based company that desires to help our people and customers win. We design, manufacture, and assemble cab components and systems for the powersports, golf and turf, industrial and agricultural end markets. Our design and engineering capabilities allow us to provide complex components and assemblies to our original equipment manufacturer customers. We are always on the gas and seeking dynamic, enthusiastic, and motivated individuals to join our extraordinary team.

Sportech offers eligible full-time employees a robust and competitive benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision plan options, including flexible spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCA)
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Basic life insurance and voluntary life insurance
• Hospital indemnity plans, pet insurance, and legal/identity theft services
• 401k plan with up to a 4% employer match
• Paid company holidays, paid vacation, and paid volunteer time
• Sportech Learning Academy (SLA) with courses offered onsite quarterly, focusing on personal and professional growth and development for employees, and tuition reimbursement options for courses completed outside of Sportech

Further benefits information is provided as part of the offer process for any offer extended by Sportech. Pay varies by position and is based on multiple factors including labor market data and, depending on position, may include education, work experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, and/or certifications. Additionally, Sportech takes into account the internal equity of current employees when considering compensation. Sportech's reasonable and good-faith estimate for the range of new hire compensation at the time of posting for this position is between $82,000 - $105,000 annually. Pay may also include variable compensation from time to time such as overtime for non-exempt positions, shift differential for specific shifts, and/or bonus targets (subject to plan eligibility and other requirements).

Job Summary

The Project Manager will lead cross-functional new product development projects from concept to production launch, with a strong focus on engineering execution, design maturity, quality and manufacturing readiness. This role partners closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales and customers to plan, track, and drive technical deliverables while managing schedule, cost, and risks to ensure successful product launches.

Essential Job Functions

Project Management: 

• Lead and manage multiple engineering projects, incorporating design reviews, DFMEA/PFMEA, validation testing, tooling development, and pre-production milestones.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including milestones, deliverables, resource allocation, and risk management strategies. 
• Conduct regular project status meetings, provide updates to both internal and external stakeholders. 
• Address and resolve project related issues and conflicts in a timely and effective manner, leveraging problem-solving skills and negotiation techniques.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks or bottlenecks, and implement mitigation measures to keep projects on track.
• Drive design freeze, tooling kick-off, and first-article readiness, aligning cross-functional teams to readiness criteria.
• Implement effective scope management strategies to minimize disruptions to project timelines and budgets. 
• Conduct project retrospectives to celebrate successes, learn from experience and ensure continuous improvement.
• Manage and own accurate project information in project management software and ERP system.
• Organize preproduction orders, sample builds. tooling schedules and preproduction delivery.

Cross Functional Leadership:

• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to project team members. 
• Lead and align cross-functional teams with a strong emphasis on Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure technical alignment, manufacturability, and execution readiness throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure seamless project execution and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Quote Preparation and Management: 

• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales and Finance to develop technically accurate quotes, incorporating design assumptions, tooling strategy, material selection, labor content, and validation requirements.
• Present quotations to clients in a clear and compelling manner, addressing any questions or concerns they may have. 
• Monitor quoting processes and refine methodologies to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Process and Practice Improvement: 

• Identify opportunities to improve handoffs, documentation quality, and cross-functional execution.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of product development processes, including phase-gate reviews, design maturity criteria, and launch readiness standards.

Other: 

• Conduct external customer visits as needed. 
• Take on additional special projects as identified to continually develop leadership skills.
• Attend conferences and training as required to maintain and grow job proficiency.
• Some travel may be required. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or project management preferred; related technical field, business, or equivalent experience considered with demonstrated technical program leadership.
• 3-5 years relevant experience, with a track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budget. 
• Experience working directly with engineering teams in a manufacturing or product development environment.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications to support project planning and risk management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with external customers and internal stakeholders. 
• Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to motivate and lead cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software (monday.com is a plus) and Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.