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New Product Development Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

New Product Development Engineering Manager

Glenview, IL · On-site

$111K - $139K/yr

Lead the New Product Development (NPD) stage-gate process, ensuring disciplined project execution, effective resource management, and alignment of engineering initiatives with annual and long-range ...

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New Product Development Project Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.8K

$130.8K

$148.9K

How much do new product development project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for new product development project manager in Chicago, IL is $130,816.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,000.00 and $147,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a New Product Development Project Manager do?

A New Product Development (NPD) Project Manager oversees the process of bringing new products from concept to market. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams, managing timelines and budgets, and ensuring that product requirements are met throughout development. The NPD Project Manager works closely with marketing, engineering, design, and manufacturing to align project goals and deliverables. Their primary goal is to ensure that new products are developed efficiently, meet customer needs, and launch successfully.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a New Product Development Project Manager?

To thrive as a New Product Development Project Manager, you need strong project management expertise, a background in product development, and typically a degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Agile methodologies, and certifications such as PMP or Scrum Master are commonly required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate teams and foster innovation. These capabilities are crucial for successfully guiding new products from concept to launch while meeting business objectives and deadlines.

What are some common challenges New Product Development Project Managers face when coordinating cross-functional teams?

New Product Development Project Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning priorities among diverse departments like R&D, marketing, and manufacturing. Effective communication and managing conflicting timelines or expectations are essential, as each team may have different goals and resource constraints. Navigating these challenges requires strong leadership, clear project plans, and the ability to foster collaboration to keep the project on track and within budget. Building trust and facilitating regular updates can help ensure all stakeholders are informed and engaged throughout the development process.

What is the difference between New Product Development Project Manager vs Product Manager?

AspectNew Product Development Project ManagerProduct Manager
Primary FocusManaging the development and launch of new products from conception to completionOverseeing product lifecycle, strategy, and market positioning
ResponsibilitiesCoordinating cross-functional teams, timelines, and resources for new product projectsDefining product vision, gathering customer requirements, and prioritizing features
Required SkillsProject management, technical understanding, teamwork, communicationMarket analysis, strategic thinking, communication, user experience

While both roles involve product development, the New Product Development Project Manager primarily focuses on managing the process of creating new products, ensuring projects stay on track. The Product Manager concentrates on the overall product strategy, customer needs, and market success. Both roles often collaborate but serve different functions within the product lifecycle.

What are popular job titles related to New Product Development Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For New Product Development Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching New Product Development Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for New Product Development Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for New Product Development Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most New Product Development Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various New Product Development Project Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,816 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Project Manager New Product Development

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Buffalo Grove, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Title: Project Manager – New Product Development (NPD)
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Salary: $120,000–$140,000 + Bonus Potential
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k), bonus potential, and additional long-term career growth opportunities.

Sterling Engineering is partnering with a growing manufacturing organization in the Buffalo Grove area to hire a Project Manager – NPD. This role will lead complex new product development and customer-driven engineering projects from concept through production launch while coordinating cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, sales, and leadership. The team is looking for a strong project leader with experience managing multiple large-scale projects within a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead multiple new product development and customer-driven engineering projects from concept through production launch
  • Manage project timelines, budgets, milestones, risk mitigation plans, and overall project execution
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, sales, and finance
  • Serve as the primary point of communication for project stakeholders and customers
  • Drive project meetings, status updates, action items, and accountability across teams
  • Support NPD stage gate processes, APQP activities, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Manage project scope changes and help resolve technical or scheduling roadblocks
  • Work closely with customers and internal leadership teams throughout the project lifecycle
  • Help ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with quality expectations
  • Utilize project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, risk matrices, and work breakdown structures
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Engineering or a related technical field
  • Must have 8+ years of project management experience within manufacturing or production
  • Must have 2+ years of experience with new product development projects
  • Experience managing multiple projects at varying stages and timelines simultaneously
  • Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
  • Experience with Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or similar project management software preferred
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity