The Company Davies Molding LLC, an ITG company, has been a leading supplier of standard knobs, handles, cases, and custom plastic components since 1933. The company has an extensive range of molds and utilizes multiple plastic types that give its customers the widest selection of styles and mountings available. With over 400 products and 9,000 variations in size, shape, color and molded-in metal inserts, Davies supplies top-quality parts engineered to meet any requirement. The once small plastic molding company that stood in downtown Chicago is now the largest manufacturer of plastic knobs and handles in the world today.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProject Management- Lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously from quotation through production launch.
- Develop and maintain project schedules, milestones, action plans, and deliverables.
- Coordinate activities among Engineering, Tooling, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and Customer Service teams.
- Monitor project progress and proactively address delays, risks, and resource constraints.
- Facilitate project meetings and communicate status updates to customers and internal stakeholders.
- Ensure project objectives, timelines, and customer requirements are clearly understood and achieved.
Customer & Program Management- Serve as the primary point of contact for customers regarding project execution and launch activities.
- Coordinate customer communications regarding schedules, tooling status, sampling, PPAP submissions, and production readiness.
- Manage customer expectations while maintaining strong professional relationships.
- Support customer visits, project reviews, and launch meetings.
New Product Development & Launches- Coordinate all activities associated with new tooling, product launches, engineering changes, and transfer projects.
- Ensure tooling schedules align with production requirements and customer commitments.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Quality teams on validation activities, first article inspections, capability studies, and PPAP submissions.
- Track launch readiness and escalate issues that may impact timing or quality.
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Work closely with Manufacturing and Engineering to identify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiency.
- Coordinate with Purchasing and Supply Chain teams to ensure materials and components are available to support project timelines.
- Partner with Quality to address customer concerns, corrective actions, and quality requirements.
- Facilitate communication between departments to ensure alignment and accountability.
Reporting & Documentation- Maintain accurate project documentation, schedules, action item lists, and status reports.
- Track project costs, timelines, and performance metrics.
- Prepare project summaries and management reports for leadership review.
- Ensure compliance with customer requirements, internal procedures, and ISO quality standards.
Leadership Responsibilities- Demonstrate strong organizational and leadership skills while managing project teams.
- Foster accountability and teamwork across departments.
- Promote a customer-focused culture centered on quality, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.
- Drive problem-solving efforts and facilitate timely decision-making.
QualificationsEducation- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Experience- 3-7 years of project management, program management, manufacturing, or engineering experience.
- Experience in plastics manufacturing, injection molding, compression molding, tooling, or related manufacturing environments preferred.
- Experience managing customer-facing projects and new product launches.
- Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, engineering change processes, and ISO quality systems preferred.
Salary Range $85,000- $96,000 (Depending on Experience)
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities- Strong project planning and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and project management software preferred.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications preferred.
Physical Requirements- Ability to regularly walk throughout manufacturing and warehouse areas.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to wear required PPE when entering production areas.
