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Project Leader Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Senior Project Manager

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$85K - $187K/yr

You will be the primary accountable leader for the full project lifecycle-from development and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) execution through to final commissioning and operational ...

Sr. Project Manager

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$114K - $168K/yr

You will be the primary accountable leader for the full project lifecycle-from development and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) execution through to final commissioning and operational ...

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Project Leader information

See Indiana salary details

$10

$36

$64

How much do project leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for project leader in Indiana is $36.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $45.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Project Leader?

A project leader is similar to a project manager in that they both provide support to carry out tasks to complete a project. As a project leader, you guide and motivate the team throughout the entire project, tracking the progress of tasks, monitoring goals, and reviewing information for compliance. Where a project manager takes on duties like budgeting and scheduling, a project leader uses this information to enhance the project and help execute the work. You may also complete detailed reports, test prototypes, and attend planning meetings. This career requires keen attention to detail, the ability to analyze data, and a willingness to help the team resolve any issues.

Will PMP be replaced by AI?

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a widely recognized credential for project leaders, emphasizing skills like planning, execution, and leadership. While AI tools can assist with project management tasks, they are unlikely to fully replace the need for human project leaders who provide strategic oversight, decision-making, and stakeholder communication. PMP certification remains valuable for demonstrating expertise and leadership in managing complex projects.

How does a Project Leader typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project's lifecycle?

Project Leaders frequently act as a bridge between various departments such as engineering, marketing, and operations. They coordinate regular meetings, set clear expectations, and ensure all teams are aligned with project goals and timelines. Effective communication and conflict resolution are essential, as Project Leaders must balance diverse perspectives to keep the project on track. Building strong relationships and fostering a collaborative environment are key to overcoming challenges and ensuring project success.

What are Project Leaders?

Project Leaders are professionals responsible for guiding a team towards the successful completion of a project. They coordinate tasks, manage resources, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure that project goals are met on time and within budget. Project Leaders also resolve issues, motivate team members, and monitor progress, making adjustments as necessary to keep the project on track. Their leadership is crucial in aligning the team's efforts with the organization's objectives.

What is the difference between Project Leader vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProject LeaderProject Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees project execution, manages teams, makes strategic decisionsSupports project tasks, coordinates schedules, assists with communication
Required CredentialsProject management experience, certifications like PMP often preferredBasic project management knowledge, often entry-level certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, interacts with clients and stakeholdersWorks closely with Project Leaders, handles administrative tasks
Industry UsageCommon in industries with complex projects like construction, ITUsed across various industries for supporting roles

The main difference between a Project Leader and a Project Coordinator lies in their responsibilities and level of authority. Project Leaders are responsible for guiding the project, making strategic decisions, and leading teams. In contrast, Project Coordinators support the project by handling administrative tasks and ensuring smooth communication. Both roles require some project management knowledge, but Project Leaders typically have more experience and credentials.

What does a project leader do?

A project leader is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects by coordinating team members, managing resources, and ensuring project goals are met on time and within budget. They often use project management tools and require strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Their role involves overseeing progress, resolving issues, and maintaining stakeholder communication throughout the project lifecycle.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Project Leader can earn $10,000 or more per month through experience, strong leadership skills, and industry knowledge, often in fields like construction, IT, or manufacturing. High-paying roles typically require proven expertise, certifications, and the ability to manage teams effectively, rather than formal degrees alone.

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

To thrive as a Project Leader, you need strong project management skills, leadership abilities, and typically a background in the relevant industry, often supported by a degree and certifications like PMP or Prince2. Familiarity with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, or Jira is essential for planning, tracking, and reporting progress. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills help a Project Leader motivate teams and manage stakeholders effectively. These skills ensure that projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget, and with high team morale and stakeholder satisfaction.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Project Leader, annual salaries of $300,000 or more are typically found in senior management roles such as Program Managers, Director-level positions, or executives overseeing large projects or portfolios. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and strong leadership skills, especially in industries like technology, finance, or engineering. Compensation varies based on industry, company size, and geographic location, with high-paying roles often involving significant responsibility and strategic decision-making.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project Leader jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Project Leader jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Project Leader jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Project Leader job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Project Leader jobs in IN? For Project Leader jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Project Leader job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,052 per year, or $36.1 per hour.
Commercialization Project Manager

Commercialization Project Manager

Weaver

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description:

About Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing

Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing is a global leader in popcorn production, delivering quality from seed to shelf since 1928. We operate a vertically integrated system that includes farming partnerships, processing, and manufacturing microwave and ready-to-eat popcorn products. With products distributed worldwide, we support national brands, private label partners, and our own Pop Weaver line through high-volume, SQF-certified production. From our farming network to our manufacturing facilities, every step is built around producing the highest quality popcorn consistently, safely, and reliably.

Position Overview

The Commercialization Manager is responsible for leading the successful execution of new product launches, product changes, customer initiatives, and commercialization projects across Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing.


This role serves as the central project leader for the commercialization process, driving alignment and accountability across Sales, R&D, Quality, Packaging, Procurement, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Logistics, Scheduling, Finance, and our customers.


The successful candidate will own project timelines from approval through launch, ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule, risks are identified early, and stakeholders remain informed throughout the process. This individual must possess exceptional organizational skills, strong business acumen, and the confidence to challenge assumptions, facilitate difficult conversations, and escalate issues when project commitments are at risk.


This role requires a highly proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and can influence teams without direct authority.


Responsibilities:

Commercialization Project Leadership

  • Lead all commercialization projects from concept approval through product launch and post-launch review.
  • Own project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and critical path activities.
  • Develop and maintain detailed project plans and Gantt charts for all commercialization initiatives.
  • Ensure all projects progress through Weaver's stage-gate commercialization process in accordance with established procedures.
  • Drive timely completion of project deliverables across all functional departments.
  • Identify project risks, bottlenecks, and resource constraints and develop mitigation plans.
  • Escalate project risks and missed commitments to leadership when necessary.
  • Maintain visibility into project status and proactively communicate changes to stakeholders.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Accountability

  • Facilitate kick-off meetings and commercialization reviews for new products and product change requests.
  • Coordinate activities across Sales, R&D, Packaging, Quality, Manufacturing, Procurement, Scheduling, Logistics, Finance, and Supply Chain.
  • Hold project teams accountable for commitments, deadlines, and deliverables.
  • Challenge assumptions and drive resolution of issues impacting project timelines.
  • Foster collaboration while maintaining focus on execution and results.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for commercialization-related project communication.

Project Governance & Process Management

  • Manage commercialization workflows within SafetyChain and other project management systems.
  • Ensure project documentation is complete, accurate, and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Monitor stage-gate compliance and adherence to commercialization procedures.
  • Create standardized reporting tools, dashboards, and project tracking mechanisms.
  • Establish and maintain clear project governance practices and communication standards.
  • Continuously improve commercialization processes, tools, and team effectiveness.

Stakeholder Communication

  • Provide weekly project status updates to key stakeholders and leadership teams.
  • Communicate project risks, delays, decisions, and milestones in a clear and timely manner.
  • Create executive-level summaries highlighting project health, critical issues, and launch readiness.
  • Maintain transparency regarding customer-driven versus internal delays.
  • Ensure stakeholders understand project priorities, responsibilities, and expected completion dates.

Customer Project Management & Communication

  • Serve as a primary commercialization contact for customers throughout the product launch and implementation process.
  • Communicate project timelines, key milestones, risks, requirements, and launch readiness updates to customers in a professional and proactive manner.
  • Coordinate directly with customer supply chain, procurement, quality, packaging, and commercialization teams to ensure project deliverables are completed on time.
  • Manage customer-facing commercialization activities, including gathering specifications, obtaining approvals, tracking artwork progress, coordinating samples, and communicating launch requirements.
  • Maintain and update customer project management portals, commercialization platforms, specification systems, and other customer-required tools to ensure accurate and timely information is available.
  • Facilitate resolution of customer questions, concerns, and project roadblocks while balancing customer expectations with internal operational capabilities.
  • Drive accountability for customer-owned deliverables and approvals that impact project timelines.
  • Provide visibility into customer-driven versus internally driven project delays and escalate risks when launch timelines are jeopardized.
  • Build strong working relationships with customer stakeholders and serve as a trusted partner throughout the commercialization process.
Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, Operations, Food Science, Engineering, Project Management, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience leading cross-functional projects in manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), food manufacturing, supply chain, operations, commercialization, product development, or related environments.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously with competing priorities.
  • Experience developing and maintaining detailed project plans and Gantt charts.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and project management tools.
  • Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
  • Ability to work on-site in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Preferred

  • Commercialization, product launch, stage-gate, PMO, or product development experience.
  • Food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods experience.
  • Experience working in ERP, PLM, SafetyChain, or similar systems.
  • PMP certification or equivalent project management training.
  • Experience supporting private label and customer-specific product launches