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Manufacturing Project Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Project Manager - Manufacturing Location: Carol Stream, IL Job Type: Contract, 6+ Months Compensation: $60-$65/hr W2 Benefits As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible for a comprehensive ...

Posted today

Capacity Planning & Management - MFG: Knowledge of tools, approaches and practices for determining ... Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to ...

We are looking for a Manufacturing Project Planner to join our growing Production team. Location ... This role involves the support of the operations management team in coordinating daily production ...

Construction Senior Project Manager Company Name: Epstein Location: Chicago, IL (West Loop) Project ... Large Industrial & Manufacturing, Design-Build Work Setting: Hybrid (Wednesday & Friday remote ...

Construction Senior Project Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $156K/yr

Construction Senior Project Manager Company Name: Epstein Location: Chicago, IL (West Loop) Project ... Large Industrial & Manufacturing, Design-Build Work Setting: Hybrid (Wednesday & Friday remote ...

Construction Senior Project Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $156K/yr

Construction Senior Project Manager Company Name: Epstein Location: Chicago, IL (West Loop) Project ... Large Industrial & Manufacturing, Design-Build Work Setting: Hybrid (Wednesday & Friday remote ...

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Manufacturing Project Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$48.5K

$94.8K

$144.9K

How much do manufacturing project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing project manager in Illinois is $94,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manufacturing Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Project Manager, you need strong project management skills, knowledge of manufacturing processes, and a relevant degree in engineering or business. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or SAP), Lean manufacturing methodologies, and certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma are typically required. Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills enable you to coordinate teams and manage stakeholders effectively. These competencies are crucial for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

What Does a Manufacturing Project Manager Do?

A manufacturing project manager works for a manufacturing business and oversees projects for the company’s clients. As a manufacturing project manager, you use project management skills to coordinate project timelines, schedules, and equipment, as well as ensure that safety guidelines are met and potential risks are eliminated. You may also provide project status reports to clients and handle any changes to project plans. The qualifications for a career as a manufacturing project manager typically include a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field, as well as project management experience. Helpful skills for this job include strong organizational, critical thinking, and communication abilities.

What are the 4 types of project managers?

In the context of manufacturing project management, the four main types of project managers are functional, projectized, matrix, and hybrid. Functional managers work within departments, projectized managers lead entire projects independently, matrix managers operate across departments with shared authority, and hybrid combines elements of these structures. Each type requires different leadership skills and organizational approaches to effectively oversee manufacturing projects.

What do project managers do in manufacturing?

Manufacturing project managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of manufacturing projects, ensuring they meet quality, cost, and schedule targets. They coordinate teams, manage resources, and communicate with stakeholders, often using tools like Gantt charts and project management software. Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this role.

What's the highest paying PM job?

The highest paying project management roles are often in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or technology, where senior project managers or program managers with extensive experience and certifications such as PMP or PgMP can earn six-figure salaries. Executive-level project management positions, such as Director of Project Management or Program Director, typically have higher compensation due to increased responsibilities and strategic oversight.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Manufacturing project managers can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, certifications like PMP, and managing large or complex projects. Salaries vary based on industry, location, company size, and individual skills, with higher earnings typically found in regions with a higher cost of living or in senior roles.

What are some common challenges Manufacturing Project Managers face when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Manufacturing Project Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning priorities among engineering, production, and quality assurance teams. Balancing timelines and resources while managing differing departmental objectives requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, unforeseen supply chain disruptions or technical issues can impact project schedules, so adaptability and proactive problem-solving are crucial. Successful Manufacturing Project Managers foster collaboration by maintaining clear communication channels and regularly updating all stakeholders on project progress.

What is a Manufacturing Project Manager?

A Manufacturing Project Manager is a professional responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing manufacturing projects within a company. They coordinate teams, manage budgets and timelines, and ensure that products are manufactured efficiently and meet quality standards. Their role often involves collaborating with engineers, production staff, and external vendors to keep projects on track and resolve any issues that arise. Effective Manufacturing Project Managers help companies deliver products on time and within budget, contributing to overall business success.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Project Manager vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectManufacturing Project ManagerManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Project Management CertificationBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or Manufacturing
Work EnvironmentOversees projects, coordinates teams, manages timelinesDesigns processes, improves manufacturing methods, analyzes production
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing sectors for project oversightFocuses on process development and technical improvements

The Manufacturing Project Manager primarily oversees manufacturing projects, ensuring timely delivery and coordination among teams. In contrast, Manufacturing Engineers focus on designing and improving manufacturing processes. Both roles require technical knowledge, but the Project Manager emphasizes project execution, while the Engineer emphasizes process optimization.

What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Project Manager jobs in Illinois? For Manufacturing Project Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Manufacturing Project Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Manufacturing Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Project Manager job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,774 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Manufacturing Project Manager

Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Carol Stream, IL • On-site

$55 - $65/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 21 hours ago

Posted today

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Job description

Project Manager – Manufacturing

Location: Carol Stream, IL
Job Type: Contract, 6+ Months
Compensation: $60–$65/hr W2

Benefits

As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Three Medical Plan Options
  • Dental and Vision Coverage
  • 401(k)
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Project Manager – Manufacturing Overview

Sterling Engineering is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Project Manager to lead cross-functional projects focused on production improvements, new product introductions, equipment installations, process changes, and operational excellence.

The Manufacturing Project Manager will work closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, EHS, and Production teams to manage projects from initial planning through implementation. This position will be responsible for project scope, scheduling, budgeting, resource coordination, risk management, and stakeholder communication while ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of project management experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or production environment and understands Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead manufacturing projects from planning through implementation, including project scope, timelines, budgets, resources, milestones, and deliverables.
  • Manage projects involving new product introductions (NPI), equipment installations, production line modifications, process improvements, and manufacturing changes.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, EHS, and Production to ensure successful project execution.
  • Develop, maintain, and communicate detailed project schedules, tracking milestones, project risks, dependencies, and resource requirements.
  • Monitor project budgets, forecast costs, track expenditures, and help ensure projects meet established financial objectives.
  • Identify manufacturing and production challenges and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency, quality, reliability, and overall operational performance.
  • Apply Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies to identify opportunities for process optimization and waste reduction.
  • Communicate project status, priorities, risks, timelines, and resource needs to leadership and key stakeholders.
  • Ensure projects meet applicable quality, food safety, manufacturing, and workplace safety requirements.
  • Support production ramp-ups, process changes, and equipment implementations while minimizing disruption to ongoing manufacturing operations.
  • Work both in an office setting and on the manufacturing floor, following all required safety procedures and PPE guidelines.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred.
  • 3+ years of project management experience within a manufacturing, industrial, production, or similar environment.
  • Proven experience leading cross-functional manufacturing projects from initiation through completion.
  • Experience with project scheduling, budgeting, resource management, and stakeholder coordination.
  • Working knowledge of MS Project or similar project scheduling software.
  • Experience working with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, or operational excellence methodologies preferred.
  • PMP and/or Lean Six Sigma certification is a plus.
  • Strong leadership, communication, organization, problem-solving, and project management skills.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with both leadership and hands-on manufacturing teams.
  • Comfortable working in a production/manufacturing environment and adhering to required safety and PPE standards.

Why This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of high-impact manufacturing projects while partnering with engineering, operations, quality, maintenance, and safety teams. The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to influence production processes, support new product and equipment initiatives, and contribute to ongoing continuous improvement and operational excellence.