Functional Project Manager Jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY

Job Summary

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Project Manager plays a key role in advancing the Carlisle Operating System (COS) by leading CI initiatives that deliver measurable results across value streams, departments, and facilities. This role supports facility goals while contributing to broader operational objectives through cross-functional collaboration and project leadership.

The CI Project Manager independently leads improvement initiatives, applies Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, and drives alignment across stakeholders. This position influences outcomes beyond their immediate area or plant, coach's leaders and early-career CI professionals, and leads projects with clear operational and strategic impact. This role requires strong capability in project execution, problem-solving, and change leadership to drive sustainable improvements aligned with COS standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead and facilitate Lean, Six Sigma, and COS initiatives across manufacturing and business functions.
• Drive measurable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People metrics.
• Lead Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), 5S activities, visual management improvements, and standard work implementation.
• Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies to identify root causes and implement sustainable countermeasures.
• Support development and execution of strategic improvement roadmaps aligned with business objectives.
• Monitor and report project performance, KPIs, savings, and operational results.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, workflows, and organizational effectiveness.
• Leverage structured problem-solving methodologies to identify root causes and implement countermeasures.

Project Management

• Define project scope, timelines, deliverables, milestones, and resource requirements while prioritizing improvement opportunities aligned with facility and business objectives.
• Lead large, cross-functional projects with defined scopes, timelines, deliverables, and strategic outcomes.
• Manage project risks, barriers, action items, and stakeholder communication.
• Ensure project documentation, action tracking, and reporting are completed accurately and consistently.
• Support prioritization and execution of improvement initiatives aligned to plant and business goals.

Coaching, Training & Leadership

• Coach and develop employees, leaders, and teams on COS principles, Lean tools, and CI methodologies.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and team problem-solving activities.
• Build alignment and engagement across teams to drive adoption of continuous improvement culture.
• Partner with plant leadership to improve accountability systems, meeting effectiveness, and operational discipline.
• Mentor less experienced CI practitioners and support capability development across the organization.
• Support multi-site or enterprise-level improvement goals through coordination and collaboration.
• Build strong working relationships across functions and leadership levels to drive adoption of CI initiatives.
• Coach mid- to senior-level leaders (e.g., Plant Managers, Functional Directors, Business Managers) on Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with plant leadership, operations, engineering, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and support functions.
• Effectively communicate project status, risks, results, and recommendations to all levels of the organization.
• Support knowledge sharing and best practice transfer across locations and teams.
• Build strong relationships and influence stakeholders to drive alignment and execution.
• Drive improvements in key performance metrics (e.g., Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People).
• Maintain alignment with COS standards while adapting approaches to meet business needs.
• Partner with COS Manager to make operational decisions consistent with COS standards.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma principles, tools, and methodologies (e.g., VSM, DMAIC, root cause analysis, 5S).
• Understanding of manufacturing or business operations and how cross-functional systems interact.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement frameworks and performance management systems (KPIs, operational metrics).

• Experience facilitating Kaizen events, process mapping, root cause analysis, and operational improvement initiatives.
• Advanced project management skills, including planning, execution, risk management, and stakeholder coordination.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to address complex, multi-variable challenges.
• Effective coaching, facilitation, and leadership skills across all organizational levels.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to influence without authority.

• Ability to influence and collaborate across multiple functions and organizational levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and project management software.
• Ability to analyze operational data and translate findings into actionable improvements.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Associate's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial), Operations, Business or related field AND 6 years of experience in business/manufacturing setting
• Bachelors degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial), Operations, Business or related field AND 4 years of experience in business/ manufacturing setting

Preferred:

• Master's degree in related field and 4+ years of experience in business/manufacturing setting and proficient in Lean and Six Sigma.
• Lean and/or Six Sigma certification preferred; Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred for senior-level roles.

Working Conditions:

• Office environment within a manufacturing facility which may be dirt, dusty, and hotter/colder than office settings.

• Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

• Occasional overtime or weekends required.
• Travel is expected to be around 15% - 25%, depending on business needs

The position typically operates during standard business hours of Monday - Friday (8am - 5pm), with occasional flexibility required to accommodate meetings across time zones or critical business needs. The employee is expected to comply with all company policies related to data security, confidentiality, and remote work standards.

Periodic travel may be required for team meetings, training, or company events, with advance notice provided. The company will reimburse travel expenses in accordance with its travel and expense policy.

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