Director, Global NPD Project Management

Innovating since 1905, G&W Electric has grown into a global leader in engineered electrical power grid solutions. Working with us means joining a worldwide team of passionate manufacturing professionals striving to continually improve the technologies the world depends on to deliver safe, reliable electricity. Our culture is focused on employee success, so we foster an entrepreneurial environment that encourages everyone to thrive.

Director of Global Project Management - New Product Development

Position Summary : The Director of Project Management is responsible for ensuring that New Product Development projects are executed effectively and efficiently and meet organizational goals and requirements. The Director oversees the Project Managers, develops, and maintains PM methodologies, policies, standards, and tools, and works with other department leaders to define, prioritize, and develop projects and programs. The Director is responsible for the development of the departmental budget and ensuring projects remain on track regarding quality, cost, and delivery.

Primary/Essential Responsibilities:

• Defines the Project Management approach and leads the implementation of a common project management methodologies, standards, and tools to drive and facilitate the successful delivery of projects/programs:
• Drive Manage interdependencies and coordination across projects to ensure that information relating to project deliverables, risks and issues are effectively communicated between stakeholders and that key performance indicators are monitored and evaluated.
• Help to define business strategies and organizational policies to enable the strategic coordination of multiple major projects and initiatives to improve efficiency and effectiveness of projects.
• Prepare written documentation of processes, material requirements, test results and project activity as required. Create / revise G&W standards as needed.
• Work with project management team and other stakeholders in the development of G&W processes, Lessons learned activities, and continuous improvement.
• Responsible for overseeing day-to-day Project Management Activities including:
• Establish and lead multidisciplinary global teams in the development of new and innovative products. Work collaboratively with all stakeholders (including Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Aftermarket Service, Quality, Finance, Product Management, Sales and Marketing) to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
• Challenge the team to meet organization goals and timing. Drive the schedule, scope, budget, staffing and quality objectives to ensure the projects stay on track and within commitments and provide the ROI to the organization.
• Manage project risks through identification, prioritization, and mitigation events. Develop critical path analyses to manage the project critical path items, accelerate timelines, reduce costs, improve ROI, and/or mitigate risks.
• Measure project performance using various tools and techniques to identify any variances to plan, perform required corrective actions, and communicate to all stakeholders and resolve any conflicts as they arise.
• Lead the coordination and assessment of resources. Work with management to obtain and manage appropriate staffing levels for the projects.
• Responsible for completion of Product Development Stage Gate and/or other company process requirements. Responsible for validating project activities and results.
• Foster collaborative and mutually supportive relationships with project leaders, team members, and senior stakeholders.
• Responsible for coordination of resources, completion, and review of Stage Gate requirements.
• Work with stakeholders to document and report on Monitoring Phase activities and status.
• Responsible for development of staff to support project work and to continue to improve in design methods and quality of designs.
• Develop appropriate performance review objectives; provide day-to-day coaching with the teams; and conduct annual performance reviews.
• Communicate and report project information within the team, to management, to stakeholders, and executive team through formal and informal presentations and correspondence.
• Collect information for ongoing data mining and analysis to ensure effective problem solving, solution design, and improved business results.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Leadership:

Manager : Responsible for hire/fire decisions; performance appraisals; employee training and development; handles disciplinary problems. This job will be evaluated on these decisions.

Required Qualifications :

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or related field required. Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification required.
• At least 8 years of management experience including:
• At least 8 years of project management experience in a highly technical product development role.
• At least 3 years of management experience.
• Preferred experience in development of at least one of the following: Distribution or Transmission power equipment, Protective relays, or Custom engineered industrial products.
• Strong understanding of good development engineering processes such as lean product development, APQP, Design for Manufacturing (DFM)/ Assembly (DFA)/ Excellence (DFX), Six Sigma, Lean concepts, and stage gate.
• Experience with industry quality actions such as PPAP and SPC.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead complex and highly technical product development projects and teams.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully complete projects with sound planning and persistent execution; will understand how to align resources, seek the input of key constituents, and manage others to achieve desired results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organization, facilitation, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ownership of tasks from cradle to grave, a “driver” mentality, and effective time management skills.
• Ability to understand technical issues and understand impact on projects, and effectively communicate these issues and impact to direct reports as well as other project stakeholders.
• Flexibility in terms of dealing with changing priorities and dealing with multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel within and outside USA.
• Excellent communication and mentoring skills.
• Proven experience with computers; Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project or equivalents.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Proficiency in DFSS and Lean including: DOE, Capability & Control, FMEA, MSE, DFM, etc.
• Well-developed analytical, design, troubleshooting and problem solving skills.
• Proven success with multi-disciplined systems’ engineering projects.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing and production processes, materials and material mechanics.
• Knowledge of power systems and medium/high voltage circuit breakers.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
• Demonstrable ability to interpret technology / market trends as a foundation for technology and product roadmaps.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions:

• General Office Environment, PC use.
• Light Lifting (occasional 25 lbs or less).
• Stooping.
• Standing.

Why join us? G&W enjoys a long reputation for product quality, innovation and world-class customer service to the power industry. We have established this reputation by believing that our greatest asset is our employees. We owe our success to the initiative and talents of highly skilled individuals within our team-based organization. Our goal is to set the standard for customer satisfaction by ensuring a superior level of service, performance and innovation. As a global organization and industry leader, we are committed to cultivating an engaging work environment that embraces our core values and develops our talent. Our continuous focus on growth and innovation means that you become part of a company that provides challenging opportunities, rewards excellence and combines your individual expertise to achieve a higher level of shared success. As part of our organization, you also help power the world!

G&W Electric is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.