Project Manager

The Project Manager is responsible for the successful execution and delivery of all upfit projects performed by HP Fairfield. Serving as a technical subject matter expert in plow and truck equipment, this role oversees contract review, technical project definition, customer engagement throughout the project lifecycle, and operational support. The Project Manager plays a critical role in the order-to-cash process, ensuring seamless project coordination, operational efficiency, and exceptional customer satisfaction. Through strong technical expertise, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, this position drives successful project outcomes while maintaining high levels of customer confidence and service excellence. Essential Functions of the Job: • Lead the technical planning and execution of assigned projects, serving as the primary point of contact for customers on all technical matters throughout the project lifecycle. • Partner closely with the sales team during the pre-award phase to provide technical expertise, validate project requirements, and support the development of accurate and feasible customer solutions. • Collaborate with customers to define, review, and finalize technical specifications, ensuring all project requirements are documented, understood, and achievable. • Ensure complete project readiness prior to release to manufacturing by coordinating and validating all required project documentation and inputs, including: • Bills of Material (BOM) and Job Header creation and accuracy • Project schedule development and critical milestone management • Upfit layouts, drawings, and technical documentation • Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and equipment serial number tracking • Pre-build meeting facilitation and cross-functional coordination • Procurement and availability of chassis, VTMs, outsourced equipment, and other purchased components • Serve as the primary liaison between Sales, Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Customers to ensure seamless project execution. • Monitor project progress, identify risks, and proactively resolve issues to maintain project schedules, quality standards, and customer expectations. • Provide ongoing technical guidance and support to Production throughout the manufacturing and upfit process. • Ensure all project deliverables are completed accurately, on time, and in accordance with customer requirements, contractual commitments, and company standards. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): • Customer-Focused: Demonstrated commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, with the ability to build strong relationships, manage expectations, and effectively resolve customer concerns while balancing business objectives. • Communication and Negotiation Skills: Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders, facilitate discussions, negotiate solutions, and communicate technical information. • Problem Solving Skills: Ability to identify issues, analyze root causes, evaluate alternatives and implement effective solutions. • Decision-making and Accountability: Ability to make sound, timely decisions using available data, while taking ownership of project outcomes and driving results. • Self-Motivation and Initiative: Highly motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision while maintaining a high level of accountability, accuracy, and follow-through. • Results-Oriented Performance: Demonstrated ability to successfully execute projects from initiation through completion, meeting quality, schedule and customer satisfaction. • Relationship Focused: Ability to build consensus among stakeholders and maintain productive working relationships both internally and externally. • Adaptable to change. Education and Experience: • Minimum 7-10 years of heavy equipment work experience. • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business Management or a related technical field. • Strong technical experience including but not limited to hydraulics, electrical, metal welding. • Demonstrated experience successfully leading teams and delivering results. • Previous experience working with ERP systems (JD Edwards preferred). • Strong computer skills required.