The Project Manager leads capital, infrastructure, and process-improvement projects that support James Hardie's composite decking operations. This role is responsible for planning, executing, and delivering projects that improve safety, increase production capacity, enhance reliability, and support long-term site growth. The Project Manager works cross-functionally with engineering, operations, maintenance, EHS, and corporate teams to ensure projects meet scope, schedule, and budget expectations in a fast-paced, data-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities- Lead end-to-end capital and operational improvement projects across the Wilmington manufacturing site, from concept development through execution, commissioning, and startup.
- Develop project scopes, feasibility assessments, cost estimates, schedules, and risk mitigation plans aligned with operational priorities and financial objectives.
- Build capital project business cases and manage financial performance throughout the project lifecycle, including ROI analysis, spend forecasting, accrual reporting, and variance management.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, operations, maintenance, EHS, supply chain, and external contractors to ensure successful project delivery.
- Manage contractor and project safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to engineering standards and company best practices.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, reliability, safety, cost reduction, and overall manufacturing performance.
- Support long-term site planning through layout optimization, capacity expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and identification of operational constraints.
- Lead vendor selection, contract negotiations, and supplier performance management.
- Prepare project updates, financial summaries, and executive-level reporting to communicate progress, risks, and key decisions.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering
- 5+ years of project management experience in manufacturing, industrial operations, or capital project environments.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment installation, and material flow.
- Controls engineering experience (PLC, HMI, automation systems) is a strong plus.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a high-speed, high-accountability environment.
- Experience with budgeting, cost control, and capital project financial justification.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder-management skills.
- PMP certification, Lean/Six Sigma experience, or exposure to TPM is a plus.
- Ability to work on the plant floor and collaborate closely with operations teams.
What Success Looks Like- Projects delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
- Improved production capacity, reliability, and operational efficiency.
- Strong alignment with plant leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Clear, proactive communication that drives accountability and results.
- Measurable contributions to James Hardie's performance-driven culture.
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $105,000 to $120,000. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.
At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.
- Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
- Insurance: health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
- Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
- Retirement: 401(k) with match
- Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
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