Product Development Project Manager

CKS Packaging succeeds by promoting a diverse, respectful, and friendly teamwork environment. As one of the nation's leading manufacturers of plastic containers, we not only make a difference in the community but offer each employee the opportunity to enhance their skills and build a meaningful career. If you are looking for a family-oriented company that lives by its values, join our team today!

(Please note if you are viewing this posting on an external job board, unless specifically stated in the posting, the provided hourly/salary estimates may not be accurate as they are not provided by CKS.)

What’s In it for You?

• Stable, growing organization with opportunity for future advancement of qualified candidates
• Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications
• Paid vacation and sick days after one year of service
• Excellent medical/dental benefits at modest employee contributions
• Discretionary Bonus
• 401k participation with Company matching contributions upon completion of first 30 days of service

Main Purpose of the Job:

Manages projects under the guidance and mentorship of the Senior Product Development Manager. Oversees activities throughout the development phase, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and obtaining necessary approvals. Delivers projects to production with expected quality, within established timelines and budget constraints

Responsibilities

• Leads development projects from design to production, including pilot tools, production molds, and manufacturing readiness. Oversees mold, machine, and packaging components for timely delivery.
• Identifies customer needs and translates them into actionable project plans.
• Creates and manages Gantt charts, resolves scheduling constraints, identifies bottlenecks, and collaborates with team members to develop solutions.
• Understands and communicates project priorities, ensuring alignment across key stakeholders.
• Applies stage-gated methodologies for project oversight, balancing project load with effective time management.
• Addresses customer complaints, concerns, and requests across the project lifecycle.
• Conducts regular meetings to track progress, ensuring projects remain on time and within budget.
• Facilitates collaboration between customers and internal design teams.
• Engages effectively with CKS Sales, Product development, operations teams, customers, suppliers, and vendors to clarify requirements, coordinate activities, and provide direction.
• Maintains accurate records of key project information, utilizing established forms and procedures.
• Analyzes and interprets data to draw actionable conclusions, identify risks, and recommend next steps.
• Identifies and resolves technical issues to meet project objectives
• Ensures all health, safety, and legal requirements are met throughout project execution.
• Additional duties as assigned by the manager pursuant to the scope of the role.

Education/Experience:

• Minimum 2 year degree,
• Or, Minimum 4 year Bachelors Degree in Mechanical/Packaging/Plastics or equivalent experience
• 1-3 years of experience in product development & plastics preferred
• Project Management experience relating to requirements, planning, cross functional leadership, customer product delivery

Qualifications/Skills:

• Technical knowledge and understanding of HDPE, PP, PET resins and other packaging related materials used in blow molding applications.
• Gantt charts, project planning and management
• Understanding of mold and design construction
• Understanding of key principles in blow molding, downstream equipment (Conveying, Inspection, Packaging )
• Understanding of blow molding platforms and limitations
• Capable of applying and assessing SPC/statistics/Quality charts/Six sigma principles
• Understanding of key features on bottle for performance and closure seal.
• Understanding of customer filling lines, distribution and consumer use
• Knowledge of bottle testing, capable of conducting dimensional and functional evaluations
• Knowledge of Packaging systems - types, costs, ordering procedures
• Trouble shooting/resolution of packaging system issues

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• What pay range are you seeking?

Experience:

• Project management: 1 year (Preferred)
• Product development: 1 year (Required)
• Plastics blow molding: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person