Purpose of the Position

The Project Leader is responsible for daily oversight and execution of project management activities to ensure that technology, construction and engineering projects stay on track according to schedule, scope and budget. Responsibilities include ensuring that proper project methodology is followed, creation and maintenance of detailed project plans, managing scope and risk, scheduling business resources, managing allotted budget, and ensuring clear and timely communication. The successful candidate will bring project management experience and processes in facility construction, engineering, and/or manufacturing. Responsible for understanding Simmons’ business, industry and trends, ensuring the technical solutions meet business objectives, along with overseeing delivery of projects to ensure internal client satisfaction.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position. 

Project Management: Responsible for all project management activities, project meeting facilitation, development and management of detailed project plans, charter development, accurate timeline development and management, gaining resource commitments, maintaining data in portfolio system of record, managing technical information flow, issue management and risk mitigation, managing project budget, stakeholder communication, status reporting, and ensuring deliverables are met on time. Ensures that proper organizational change management is incorporated into project plans which enables better business adoption of new processes and equipment. Demonstrates a working understanding of all project methodologies, engineering work, manufacturing processes and interfaces 3rd party vendors and/or consultants to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget while meeting the business needs. Oversees planning and execution of user acceptance testing and training. Ensures business requirements are clearly documented. Recognizes and progresses the requirements to balance risk and cost appropriate for industry and regulating environment. 

Leads the organization to accomplish quality performance and deliver on expectations regarding functionality, timeliness and cost in a manner that meets or exceeds customer expectations. Counsels with the Managers to validate comprehensive implementation plans and work schedules. Effectively monitors the execution, control, and reporting of projects. Advises on resource changes or additions to support projects. This position will focus on the start-up plans for facilities, and commissioning of the production equipment.

Works​ ​closely​ ​with​ Engineering, IT​ ​and​ ​other​ ​teams. ​​Provides leadership to ensure engineering and support teams work collaboratively with other business units, vendor and business teams ensuring development and adherence to Simmons standards, tracking metrics and continuous improvement standards. 

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization. 

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property. May travel via car or plane to various work locations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility.

Travel: Approximately 20% travel, including travel to Simmons facilities, one to two offsite classes or conferences per year. Must have or be able to obtain a passport.

Technical Experience: 7 years project management experience in a technical or engineering field. Knowledge of project management disciplines necessary to run projects. Fluent in use of Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office Products and a project/portfolio management tool. Excellent interpersonal, listening, oral and written communication skills. Excellent analytical skills, as well as accuracy and attention to details.

Industry Experience: Preference for food or pet processing organization, with facility start-up experience strongly preferred.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science or related field, or 4 years related experience. 

Preferred Education: Related Master’s degree.