Manager of Projects

About Us:

DMW&H is a premier Automated Material Handling Systems Integrator headquartered in Northern NJ. Our employees have recognized us as one of the best places to work in New Jersey for eight continuous years. As a leading automation company, DMW&H specializes in the design, integration, installation, and support of innovative distribution centers material handling systems.

Summary:

The Manager of Projects is a hands-on role requiring excellent organizational and communication skills. They will regularly meet with assigned Project Mangers to review status and completeness of project tasks, assess risks and issues, and determine if escalation is needed and ultimately ensure projects are on track and on budget. The role will be proficient in all aspects of Project Management, and responsible for setting the tone for assigned Project Managers on how to interact with Internal Project Teams and Customers to ensure a positive project experience is provided to the Customer, all while contributing to the growing profitability of the Company.

Reports to: Director of Project Delivery

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Engineering, Operations, Business, Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field required. Other education levels to be considered based on relevant work experience.
• Relevant work experience in a similar capacity of 5+ years of combined Project Management/Engineering experience in managing a team of direct reports.
• Experience with multiple projects ranging in size from $1M to $60M.
• Management characteristics:

a) Believes in accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement

b) History of mentoring and coaching others

c) Be a positive role model and lead by example

d) Comfortable interfacing with Customer, consultants, and upper management

e) Self-motivated and motivator of others

f) Enjoys working with others of all skill levels and ability

g) Enjoys interoffice interaction (with other departments and department leaders)

h) Excellent time-management skills

i) Excellent written and verbal communication

j) Takes initiative and has a superior work ethic

k) Is creative and enjoys solving problems

l) Is skillful and experienced in conflict resolution

m) Provides regularly scheduled guidance to department personal

n) Promotes teamwork and collaboration within and amongst departments

• Material Handling background a plus.
• Ability to understand operational flow and requirements.
• Strong interest and ability to understand steps needed to deliver systems inclusive of mechanical installation, and software and electrical controls. Note the role is not to be an expert in these disciplines, however, can document the required tasks.
• MS Word, MS Excel, MS Project, MS SharePoint, and navigation of AutoCAD files are required.
• Six Sigma training or practical knowledge a plus.
• PMP Certification a plus.
• Completion of PMP certification within one year in the role is a requirement.

Responsibilities:

General

• Direct the execution of small to large material handling projects, including highest risk and heavy system integration type projects. He or she will supervise and mentor the Project Managers and develop those with less experience or skills.
• Ensure all projects are on time, on budget while maintaining quality, safety, customer satisfaction and meeting contractual and functional specifications.
• Lead and motivate Project Managers in achieving company goals
• Develop career paths for each PM and participate in performance evaluations
• Develop and implement training plans for each direct report
• Ensure Project Managers internal resources, subcontractors, and suppliers related to specific project needs.
• Coach the Project Managers in skills to make sure the client will want to be a customer again in the future, the Customer recognizes our Company’s added value, and a positive relationship has been established and continues to grow. In some cases, the Manager of Projects will need to assist a Project Manager to establish a presence with a client to attain these goals.
• Ensure that clients know that issues and concerns are being addressed quickly, fairly, and professionally and that updates will be provided every step of the way.
• Ensure our Project Management processes are documented, continuously updated, and consistently applied by regular meetings with the Project Managers.
• Monitor and understand organization dynamics and determine when changes are needed to structure to improve interactions and project results.
• Stand-in for Project Managers when they are not available on their projects.
• Assist Manager of Software Delivery when assigned.
• Attend and participate in Bi-monthly Operations Meetings.
• Provide fair and consistent leadership for the internal and external team members. Be direct, yet respectful in your approach.
• Understand Customer’s business and operational needs.
• Understand the scope that has been proposed and/or sold and ensure that Project Managers provide systems that meet our customers’ business needs.
• Assign, upon consultation with the Director of Project Delivery, the Project Managers to specific projects and manage the PM resource schedule
• Assist in resolving, identifying, and managing discrepancies between the sales offer and the Systems Functional Requirements Specification (operationally, physically, and financially) in the initial stages of the project and during the development of the FRS/SFRS documentation.
• Skillful in managing our customers’ expectations and building or maintaining a strong professional relationship.
• Coach Project Managers in good post-sales skills to obtain orders for enhancements and follow-up orders.
• Develop an atmosphere for staff where issues are identified early and brought to the table for discussions to influence the outcome (proactive versus reactive).
• Attend Trade Shows representing DMW&H.
• Travel to job sites and possible extended stays (1 day to 2 weeks) at times may be necessary for this position. Most of the travel is during the work week; however, weekend work may be required on some projects. Average frequency of travel is approximately six times per year for Customer meetings, installation site visits or trade shows.
• May be assigned to special projects or required to perform other duties not listed above, which may vary from time to time as determined by management, to meet company needs.

Interactions with Other Departments

• Collaborate with Professional Services Group (PSG) to ensure a clean hand-off is made from Operations for our customers post project support.
• Collaborate with Finance and Procurement to address financial issues.
• Verify Mechanical and Electrical Engineering disciplines are checking design drawings from a system point of view and field readiness.
• Verify Software and Software Project Management tasks are being accounted for in the overall delivery of the project life cycle.
• When needed collaborate with head of field installation to ensure support is being provided as needed by project.

Process and Standards

• Follow established procedures for repeatedly delivering projects on time and within budget to meet/exceed customer and Company expectations.
• Possess an understanding of the areas described in the Project Manager job descriptions and Project Management Process documentation.
• Capable of managing a project financially. Must understand the Company’s financial goals, Operations Reports and be able to balance project decisions against the budget.
• Understand and ensure the description of operation is generated and includes system rates and product flow.
• Understand Engineering design details and principles when necessary.
• Understand material handling equipment (integration of equipment, individual components, rates, software, controls, etc.).