Project Management Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

The Director, Project Management is a senior leadership role responsible for the successful execution of automation and service projects at ATS Ohio, within the Industrial Automation Division. This position leads the Project Management function, ensuring all projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with quality standards and customer commitments.

The role provides both strategic and operational oversight across a diverse portfolio of turnkey automation and service projects. It is accountable for project governance, forecast accuracy, and strict adherence to a structured, stage-gated project management methodology. The Director, Project Management partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Commercial teams to ensure project execution aligns with broader business objectives and financial performance targets.

This role requires a seasoned leader with a demonstrated ability to manage complex, concurrent programs, develop high-performing Project and Program Managers, and drive disciplined execution in a fast-paced, customer-centric environment. The position reports directly to the General Manager.

• Establish and deliver on Project Management function objectives, driving the team to achieve best-in-class performance standards across all projects.
• Lead the Project Management team in the execution of projects, ensuring delivery is on schedule, within budget, and aligned with defined quality and customer expectations.
• Monitor and evaluate performance against established project management metrics; implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives as required.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to standardize and streamline project management methodologies, leveraging organizational strengths to enhance efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and escalation support to Project Managers across all project-related matters.
• Assign projects based on individual capabilities, experience, and development objectives to optimize team performance and outcomes.
• Own resource planning, capacity management, and staffing strategies for the Project Management function to ensure optimal utilization.
• Lead performance management processes, including objective setting, coaching, and formal performance evaluations for Project Management team members.
• Review and approve Change Orders (CORs), ensuring alignment with contractual, financial, and operational requirements.
• Establish and maintain project budgets, ensuring financial discipline and alignment with business targets.
• Ensure the ongoing development and competency of the Project Management team through coaching, training, and capability-building initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the Management System Review Team (MSRT), with accountability for contributing to the review and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS), completing assigned actions, and ensuring effective communication of outcomes.

•    A post-secondary college diploma, engineering degree or equivalent, specializing in electronics, electrical, mechanical or controls engineering.
•    Completion of the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation is an asset.
•    Minimum of ten years’ experience leading multi-disciplined project teams, preferably in an automation or systems integration environment.
•    Must have a practical working knowledge of robots, PLC’s, instrumentation or other machine controls packages, sensors and pneumatics.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

•    The employee may be required to stand, walk, push, pull, reach overhead, and bend to the floor.
•    Exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or exert up to 10 pounds of force frequently. 
•    Visual Acuity – Normal requirements for reading written instructions and computer screens
•    Hearing Ability – Normal requirements for understanding verbal instructions. 
•    Working Conditions – The employee is subject to a normal office environment with occasional exposure to high noise levels and/or physical hazards when visiting manufacturing floor. 

HEALTH, SAFETY, & ENVIRONMENTAL (HSE) REQUIREMENTS:

All Managers are responsible for creating a positive safety culture and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. It is the responsibility of each manager to ensure that employees receive regular training regarding health, safety and environmental matters. Each manager is also accountable to ensure that HSE matters are addressed in a timely manner and that compliance with both legislative and corporate requirements are maintained.

Director's responsibilities for Health, Safety and Environment include:

•    Demonstrate leadership in Health, Safety and Environment compliance
•    Hold team members accountable for health, safety and environmental compliance as part of the annual performance review process
•    Ensure that the requirements of the health, safety and environment management system are implemented and maintained
•    Carry out hazard assessments, inspections, and audits as required by legislative framework and/or corporate requirements
•    Ensure that training is provided to all departmental employees are per established training matrix
•    Implement appropriate corrective measures for unsafe conditions and unsafe acts
•    Ensure that appropriate equipment, materials and protective devices are provided and maintained in safe condition
•    Provide information, instruction and supervision to employees
•    Take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of employees