shton North is conducting a confidential search for a Project Manager – New Product Development (NPD) with an OEM manufacturer in the greater Chicagoland area. This client builds highly engineered, complex machinery with 600–1,000 electro-mechanical components in low-volume, high-mix production environments.

This is a critical growth hire. The company is adding multiple Project Managers to drive NPD initiatives that deliver innovative, custom solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Own projects end-to-end: Manage new product initiatives from concept through launch and post-launch.
• Lead cross-functional teams: Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Sales, and Quality.
• Facilitate & influence: Drive momentum, push back when needed, and keep leadership aligned.
• Stage-Gate excellence: Manage structured processes while maintaining flexibility for custom products.
• Risk & change management: Anticipate issues, manage scope changes, and ensure delivery on time and budget.

What We’re Looking For

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience: 8+ years leading complex technical NPD projects.
• OEM / complex product background: Experience in industries such as industrial equipment, automation, consumer products, or machinery with multiple moving parts.
• Communication & backbone: Confident, persuasive, and collaborative.
• PMP Certification: Preferred (in-progress candidates considered).
• Culture fit: Team-oriented, not a short-term consultant mindset.

Why This Role

• Impact: High-visibility projects shaping the product portfolio.
• Stability + Growth: Long-standing, privately held company with ~1,000 employees.
• Compensation: $140K–$150K base for senior hires; junior-to-mid-level considered.
• Work Environment: Onsite in Bolingbrook (5 days/week).