Position Overview

The Project Manager is primarily and directly accountable for the development of scope, schedule, cost estimates, and execution of cross-functional product development projects. The PM will lead, manage, plan, and administer the operational activities for one or more global project teams, driving direction and implementing project management best practices. This role will organize project activities and project team meetings including resources and stakeholders; ensures communication facilitates completion of the program/project on schedule and within budget constraints.

WNA may have multiple product development projects ongoing at any given time which are cross-functional, resourced internationally, and involve customers, partners, and other stakeholders related to the development of products for North America. Development projects will cover the entire product development cycle, from ideation through production. Various teams and team members may be located across Europe, China, and/or North America, and therefore close coordination and management of the global team is required.

The ideal candidate will have a keen understanding of product development for durable goods, including a strong understanding of injection molding and associated tooling, metalworking, welding and assembly methods, and production.

The PM may also manage other projects and programs (revenue generating and/or capital improvement projects) as assigned by the Company.

This position will be located in Newton, NC.

Company and Opportunity Overview

WNA’s vision is to be a leading entrepreneurial player in terms of market share, agility, and game-changing solutions. WNA is a solution provider, creating value along the supply chain of our customers, from online purchase to their customers.

WNA is headquartered in the Charlotte Metro Area, North Carolina. With around 500 employees and ~$200M of sales, WNA focuses on the retail and distribution market segments with marquee customers such as Walmart, Amazon, and the majority of large grocers and retailers.

In addition to being the largest manufacturer of shopping carts in North America, WNA has three additional main product segments as well as a Service business, providing turnkey solutions for customer guidance (Access Systems), Shelving & Fixtures, and Material Handling products.

Access Solutions provides sophisticated customer guidance and loss prevention systems for major retailers. With German-engineered products and a strong installed base, this segment focuses on protecting existing market share while expanding into adjacent opportunities in smart retail, autonomous store technology, and digital integration.

Additionally, WNA offers a range of digital solutions integrated into our products, including advanced shopping cart containment systems, smart exit gate technology, and innovations for autonomous and semi-autonomous retail stores. We are continuously expanding and enhancing our digital offerings to meet evolving customer needs and drive industry advancement.

WNA is part of the Wanzl Group, headquartered in Germany, and has 12 plants in 8 countries, providing comprehensive, solutions-driven service and expert knowledge of local markets for customers across the globe through their 360° service.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Manage all project phases, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure
Create project plans, including deliverables, activities, timelines and budgets
Anticipate problems, roadblocks and major obstructions, and plan accordingly
Ensure milestones are successfully met through oversight and coordination of project resources
Coordinating project management activities throughout the Wanzl global network to ensure accurate tracking of all inter-project dependencies
Create and deliver presentations to customer, leadership team, as well as the Management Board in Germany, demonstrating ownership of the entire process
Lead communication with stakeholders and team members through completion of the project
Provide scheduled and on-demand status reports and updates
Direct project timelines and budgets
Assess, manage, resolve and escalate risks and issues if necessary
Understanding of creative development and design process
Make decisions based on information and input in a timely manner
Coordinates and responds to requests for changes from original specifications.
Monitors project results against technical specification
Create and maintain comprehensive project management documentation

Skills and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree; Engineering or Engineering technology, or other technical degree
6+ years of work experience; 3+ years of practical project management experience; 2+ years of project management experience within Product Development
PMP certification and or MBA is preferred
Demonstrated ability to close projects on time and within budget
Demonstrated experience with plastic injection tooling and production preferred
Proactive, independent, and strong work ethic
Ability to adapt and succeed in a changing environment
Ability to convey information in an organized and easy to understand manner
Solid time management, planning and organization skills
Excellent facilitation, communication, interpersonal, planning, and negotiating skills.
Demonstrated ability to motivate and communicate with others at all levels
Able to lead, set direction, energize and harness resources of multiple teams

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