Functional Project Manager Jobs in Meriden, CT (NOW HIRING)

Summary

The Project Manager provides leadership across all phases of complex automation and paper converting equipment projects, from proposal development through design, execution, startup, and commissioning. This role is responsible for planning, budgeting, coordinating resources, managing schedules, and ensuring successful project delivery while meeting customer expectations and company standards.

The Project Manager partners closely with Engineering, Product Management, Sales, Operations, Quality, Purchasing, Finance, and Manufacturing teams to drive project execution, remove obstacles, and ensure milestones are achieved on time and within budget. This position will have leadership responsibility for direct reports as the organization grows.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage domestic and global projects ranging from $10,000 to $1 million in value.
• Lead projects through all phases of the project lifecycle, including proposal, design, development, testing, implementation, startup, and commissioning (SAT).
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and resource allocation plans.
• Facilitate project review meetings and ensure effective communication among cross-functional stakeholders.
• Coordinate activities across Product Management, Sales, Finance, Quality, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Engineering to ensure timely and successful project execution.
• Track project milestones, deliverables, and budgets, proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
• Oversee testing, validation, and Stage-Gate deliverables to ensure quality and project readiness.
• Drive engineering activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and safety standards, including UL, CE, and CSA requirements.
• Provide field support and customer-facing project leadership during installation, startup, and commissioning activities as needed.
• Effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities.
• Contribute as an individual technical resource by performing engineering-related work when required.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, product quality, and project execution.
• Mentor and guide engineering team members in applying sound engineering principles, problem-solving methodologies, and best practices.
• Foster innovation by encouraging creative approaches to technical and project challenges.
• Ensure all projects meet Ranpak quality standards as well as customer requirements and expectations.
• Provide leadership and direction to both direct and indirect project team members.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation, including schedules, meeting minutes, change requests, status reports, and customer correspondence.
• Identify project gaps, remove roadblocks, and facilitate issue resolution to keep projects on track.
• Monitor project performance and communicate status updates to management and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience leading complex engineering or automation projects involving cross-functional and global teams.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in automation systems, machine design, manufacturing equipment, or related engineering fields.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting budget, schedule, and performance objectives.
• Strong project planning, organization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to manage project risks, resolve issues, and lead teams through challenging situations.
• Ability to travel up to 40%, including domestic and international travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience with SAP or other ERP systems.
• Experience leading or managing direct reports.
• Background in automation equipment, capital equipment, packaging machinery, converting equipment, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Experience working directly with customers, suppliers, and global project teams.

Why Join This Role?

• Lead innovative automation and converting equipment projects with global impact.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to drive new product development and process improvements.
• Opportunity to grow into a people leadership role with direct reports.
• Play a key role in delivering customer-focused engineering solutions from concept to commissioning.

EOE STATEMENT We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.