Lead Project Manager
Buffalo, IA - USA
Job Summary
Lead Project Manager
Position Summary
The Lead Project Manager is responsible for leading the planning coordination execution and delivery of complex engineer-to-order manufacturing projects and associated contracts. This role serves as the primary point of accountability for project success ensuring alignment across Sales Engineering Operations Quality and external stakeholders.
The Lead Project Manager drives projects to completion safely on time within budget and in compliance with customer specifications and company standards while meeting or exceeding profitability objectives. This role also provides mentorship to junior team members and supports continuous improvement of project management processes.
At API Heat Transfer we take our culture transformation seriously. Participation in our Culture Index Survey is required as part of the application process to ensure alignment with our values and behaviors.
What You Will Do
Project Leadership & Execution
Lead cross-functional teams in defining project scope objectives risks and deliverables ensuring full stakeholder alignment and technical feasibility
Own full lifecycle execution of engineer-to-order manufacturing projects from order release through final delivery
Serve as the primary post-order point of contact for customers and sales representatives
Provide clear proactive communication and status reporting to executive leadership stakeholders and customers
Mentor and provide guidance to junior project managers and project managers
Risk Cost & Schedule Management
Proactively identify assess and mitigate project risks to minimize impact to cost schedule and quality
Own project financial performance including cost tracking margin protection and variance analysis
Drive adherence to project schedules by coordinating with Manufacturing Planning and Supply Chain teams
Lead resolution of delays bottlenecks and resource conflicts
Contract Management & Customer Engagement
Lead contract administration to ensure compliance with all commercial and technical requirements
Manage customer-driven contract changes ensuring alignment across internal functions
Partner with Sales to evaluate pricing impacts scope changes and lead-time adjustments
Build and maintain strong relationships with customer Project Managers Expeditors and key stakeholders
Quality Documentation & Compliance
Ensure accuracy and completeness of all project documentation including engineering changes and customer revisions
Oversee development and execution of Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) and manufacturing schedules
Ensure all quality standards and customer requirements are met prior to shipment release
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to quality and project execution processes
Supplier & Aftermarket Oversight
Manage key subcontractor relationships including performance monitoring and issue resolution
Lead corrective action efforts with suppliers to ensure quality and delivery expectations are met
Oversee execution of high-volume aftermarket orders and small market projects
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
Drive standardization and improvement of project management tools processes and reporting
Support a culture of accountability collaboration and operational excellence
Coach and develop team members to strengthen overall project management capability
Identify opportunities for efficiency cost savings and process optimization
Travel & Additional Responsibilities
Conduct customer and supplier site visits as required
Perform other duties as assigned
What You Bring
Bachelors degree in Engineering or a related field
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification (Required)
58 years of project management experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
Strong expertise in engineer-to-order manufacturing processes (machining welding assembly testing painting)
Demonstrated experience leading complex cross-functional projects with full ownership
Strong financial acumen including budgeting forecasting and cost control
Experience working with supply chain production planning quality and customer service functions
Proven ability to manage multiple high-impact projects simultaneously
Exceptional communication and leadership skills across all organizational levels
Highly organized detail-oriented and results-driven
Strong problem-solving skills including data analysis and implementation of sustainable solutions
Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced evolving environment
Preferred Qualifications
Lean Six Sigma certification
Experience mentoring or leading project management teams
Working knowledge of ERP planning systems; Plex experience preferred
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Project tracking tools)
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit stand and walk within both office and production environments
Occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs
Visual acuity for computer screens and technical documentation
Ability to wear required PPE on the shop floor
Frequent use of hands for typing and document handling
What We Offer You
Opportunity to contribute to a global leader in engineered heat transfer solutions
Collaborative team-focused work environment
Competitive compensation and bonus potential
Comprehensive health and welfare benefits 401(k) paid time off and professional development opportunities
Salary Range: $85000 $100000 annually (commensurate with education and experience)
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
API Heat Transfer Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with all applicable federal state and local employment laws and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status.
Lead Project Manager
Position Summary
The Lead Project Manager is responsible for leading the planning coordination execution and delivery of complex engineer-to-order manufacturing projects and associated contracts. This role serves as the primary point of accountability for project success ensuring alignment across Sales Engineering Operations Quality and external stakeholders.
The Lead Project Manager drives projects to completion safely on time within budget and in compliance with customer specifications and company standards while meeting or exceeding profitability objectives. This role also provides mentorship to junior team members and supports continuous improvement of project management processes.
At API Heat Transfer we take our culture transformation seriously. Participation in our Culture Index Survey is required as part of the application process to ensure alignment with our values and behaviors.
What You Will Do
Project Leadership & Execution
Lead cross-functional teams in defining project scope objectives risks and deliverables ensuring full stakeholder alignment and technical feasibility
Own full lifecycle execution of engineer-to-order manufacturing projects from order release through final delivery
Serve as the primary post-order point of contact for customers and sales representatives
Provide clear proactive communication and status reporting to executive leadership stakeholders and customers
Mentor and provide guidance to junior project managers and project managers
Risk Cost & Schedule Management
Proactively identify assess and mitigate project risks to minimize impact to cost schedule and quality
Own project financial performance including cost tracking margin protection and variance analysis
Drive adherence to project schedules by coordinating with Manufacturing Planning and Supply Chain teams
Lead resolution of delays bottlenecks and resource conflicts
Contract Management & Customer Engagement
Lead contract administration to ensure compliance with all commercial and technical requirements
Manage customer-driven contract changes ensuring alignment across internal functions
Partner with Sales to evaluate pricing impacts scope changes and lead-time adjustments
Build and maintain strong relationships with customer Project Managers Expeditors and key stakeholders
Quality Documentation & Compliance
Ensure accuracy and completeness of all project documentation including engineering changes and customer revisions
Oversee development and execution of Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) and manufacturing schedules
Ensure all quality standards and customer requirements are met prior to shipment release
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to quality and project execution processes
Supplier & Aftermarket Oversight
Manage key subcontractor relationships including performance monitoring and issue resolution
Lead corrective action efforts with suppliers to ensure quality and delivery expectations are met
Oversee execution of high-volume aftermarket orders and small market projects
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
Drive standardization and improvement of project management tools processes and reporting
Support a culture of accountability collaboration and operational excellence
Coach and develop team members to strengthen overall project management capability
Identify opportunities for efficiency cost savings and process optimization
Travel & Additional Responsibilities
Conduct customer and supplier site visits as required
Perform other duties as assigned
What You Bring
Bachelors degree in Engineering or a related field
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification (Required)
58 years of project management experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
Strong expertise in engineer-to-order manufacturing processes (machining welding assembly testing painting)
Demonstrated experience leading complex cross-functional projects with full ownership
Strong financial acumen including budgeting forecasting and cost control
Experience working with supply chain production planning quality and customer service functions
Proven ability to manage multiple high-impact projects simultaneously
Exceptional communication and leadership skills across all organizational levels
Highly organized detail-oriented and results-driven
Strong problem-solving skills including data analysis and implementation of sustainable solutions
Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced evolving environment
Preferred Qualifications
Lean Six Sigma certification
Experience mentoring or leading project management teams
Working knowledge of ERP planning systems; Plex experience preferred
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Project tracking tools)
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit stand and walk within both office and production environments
Occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs
Visual acuity for computer screens and technical documentation
Ability to wear required PPE on the shop floor
Frequent use of hands for typing and document handling
What We Offer You
Opportunity to contribute to a global leader in engineered heat transfer solutions
Collaborative team-focused work environment
Competitive compensation and bonus potential
Comprehensive health and welfare benefits 401(k) paid time off and professional development opportunities
Salary Range: $85000 $100000 annually (commensurate with education and experience)
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
API Heat Transfer Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with all applicable federal state and local employment laws and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
API Heat Transfer designs and manufactures custom heat exchangers for data centers, oil & gas, power generation, food processing, and 16+ industries. 150+ years of engineering excellence. 185+ countries served. Request a quote today.