Project Manager- Ops
Newton, NC
Full Time
Mid Level
Position Overview
The Project Manager for Operational Excellence (OPEX) will be responsible for leading and coordinating operational improvement projects across Wanzl NA. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, process improvement, and data analysis. They will be able to lead teams, manage multiple projects, and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
The OPEX Project Manager will be at the forefront of driving change and innovation within Wanzl NA. This is a challenging and rewarding role that requires strong leadership, problem solving, and communication skills. The ideal candidate will be able to adapt to changing priorities and drive projects to successful completion. They will be a key contributor to the organization’s success and will have a direct impact on its future.
Operational excellence projects will cover continuous improvement initiatives via process improvement methodologies (e.g. six sigma, lean, etc.), data centric problem solving, change management skills, and collaboration with multiple stakeholders to achieve improved efficiency and service levels both internally and externally.
The OPEX Project Manager will also manage other projects and programs (revenue-generating or capital improvement projects as assigned by Wanzl, NA). These projects and programs may include helping develop new facility opportunities across North America, leading internal projects to improve the infrastructures in existing North American facilities, and ensuring that environmental sustainability concepts are at the forefront of the decision-making processes.
This position will be located in Newton, North Carolina (WNA headquarters), with up to 10% travel to Wanzl offices and/or suppliers internationally and domestically.
Company and Opportunity Overview
Wanzl North America’s (WNA) 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 the online purchase to the delivery to their customers.
WNA, which includes the Technibilt and Cari-All brands, headquartered in Newton, North Carolina. With nearly 500 employees and 175 MUSD 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 (3) additional main product segments as well as a Service business, providing turnkey solutions for customer guidance (Access Systems) and Shelving & Fixtures, as well as Material Handling/Rolling Stock products. Additionally, WNA is active in building a “digital” business line with products for shopping cart containment, smart exit gate technology, and solutions for autonomous and/or semi-autonomous retail stores.
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:
The Project Manager for Operational Excellence (OPEX) will be responsible for leading and coordinating operational improvement projects across Wanzl NA. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, process improvement, and data analysis. They will be able to lead teams, manage multiple projects, and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
The OPEX Project Manager will be at the forefront of driving change and innovation within Wanzl NA. This is a challenging and rewarding role that requires strong leadership, problem solving, and communication skills. The ideal candidate will be able to adapt to changing priorities and drive projects to successful completion. They will be a key contributor to the organization’s success and will have a direct impact on its future.
Operational excellence projects will cover continuous improvement initiatives via process improvement methodologies (e.g. six sigma, lean, etc.), data centric problem solving, change management skills, and collaboration with multiple stakeholders to achieve improved efficiency and service levels both internally and externally.
The OPEX Project Manager will also manage other projects and programs (revenue-generating or capital improvement projects as assigned by Wanzl, NA). These projects and programs may include helping develop new facility opportunities across North America, leading internal projects to improve the infrastructures in existing North American facilities, and ensuring that environmental sustainability concepts are at the forefront of the decision-making processes.
This position will be located in Newton, North Carolina (WNA headquarters), with up to 10% travel to Wanzl offices and/or suppliers internationally and domestically.
Company and Opportunity Overview
Wanzl North America’s (WNA) 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 the online purchase to the delivery to their customers.
WNA, which includes the Technibilt and Cari-All brands, headquartered in Newton, North Carolina. With nearly 500 employees and 175 MUSD 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 (3) additional main product segments as well as a Service business, providing turnkey solutions for customer guidance (Access Systems) and Shelving & Fixtures, as well as Material Handling/Rolling Stock products. Additionally, WNA is active in building a “digital” business line with products for shopping cart containment, smart exit gate technology, and solutions for autonomous and/or semi-autonomous retail stores.
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:
- Managing project timelines and ensuring that projects stay on track.
- Creating and maintaining detailed project plans and documentation.
- Identifying and managing project risks and issues.
- Providing regular updates to project stakeholders and management.
- Analyzing data, identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement, recommending solutions.
- Ensure milestones are successfully met through oversight and coordination of project resources.
- Facilitating change management activities to ensure successful project outcomes.
- Maintaining project budgets and ensuring that projects are completed within budget.
- Establishing and maintaining effective communication with all project stakeholders; internal and external.
- Providing mentoring and guidance to project team members.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering technology, or other technical degree
- 5+ years of proven Project Management Experience with at least 3 years of Continuous Improvement (Lean) experience
- PMP certification a plus
- Minimum accredited Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, preferably Black Belt
- Experience with process analysis, change management, leading transitions, and implementation work
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and tasks, to prioritize, and adapt to a changing environment
- Solid time management, planning and organization skills.
- Excellent facilitation, communication, interpersonal, planning, and negotiating skills.
- Demonstrated ability to close projects on time and within budget.
- Experience with project management software and Microsoft Suite
- Ability to convey information in an organized and easy to understand manner
- Demonstrated ability to motivate and communicate with others at all levels
- Able to lead, set direction, energize and harness resources of team/individuals
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- A highly service-oriented approach with a track record of delivery and client satisfaction
- Strong leadership, coaching and development skills.
- Ability to travel 10% domestically and internationally
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