NPI Project Manager

Illinois Tool Works Inc.Lake Forest, IllinoisOn-siteFull-timeStaff, 8–12 yearsListed 2 hours ago

Apply now

About this role

Job Description:

Who Are We?

We, the Global Tool Unit (GTU), are part of ITW's Construction Segment. We specialize in the innovation, development, and manufacturing of best-in-class fastening solutions for the global construction market. Our highly differentiated products are trusted across a wide range of applications, from wood framing and finish work to steel-to-concrete installations.

We place strong emphasis on Customer Back Innovation because we know our customers' time is valuable, and shortcuts are never an option. Every product we bring to market is designed with performance, reliability, and productivity in mind because our customers depend on them every day to get the job done.

The GTU currently provides more than 30 tool models across a global market that combine electromechanical subsystems, balancing both pneumatic and cordless technologies, to optimize the fastening experience throughout the trades.

ITW is a Fortune 200 diversified manufacturer of specialized industrial equipment, consumables, and related service businesses operating in more than 50 countries worldwide. With a culture built on innovation, entrepreneurship, and continuous improvement, ITW empowers employees to make a meaningful impact while developing their careers.

As our business continues to grow, we are looking for a passionate and driven NPI Project Manager to help lead the successful delivery of innovative products from concept through launch phases.

What You'll Be Doing

Lead with Purpose - Own and drive New Product Implementation (NPI) projects from concept development through product launch. You'll lead cross-functional teams by providing direction, managing priorities, and ensuring alignment across the business unit.

Bring Ideas to Market - Guide new products through the entire development lifecycle, ensuring customer requirements, technical performance, manufacturing readiness, and business objectives remain aligned throughout the project.

Drive Results- Develop and maintain project schedules, key milestones, risk management plans, and execution strategies that keep programs on track for quality, cost, and timing targets.

Proactively identify project risks, facilitate issue resolution, and drive cross-functional decision making to maintain momentum and achieve successful product launches.

Own the Process- Lead project reviews, phase-gate activities, launch readiness assessments, and cross-functional meetings. Ensure all project deliverables are completed on time and in compliance with established development processes.

Collaborate and Support- Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Marketing, and external suppliers to ensure products are designed, sourced, validated, and launched successfully.

Build strong relationships across the organization, fostering collaboration and accountability while helping teams navigate challenges and competing priorities.

Find the Perfect Fit - Coordinate supplier activities, prototype builds, validation efforts, and production preparation activities to ensure smooth transitions from development into manufacturing.

Deliver Quality- Work closely with Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to identify potential risks early and implement robust mitigation plans. Support quality planning activities including APQP, PFMEA, PPAP, validation testing, and launch readiness reviews as required.

Communicate with Impact- Serve as the primary point of communication for project status, risks, opportunities, and key decisions. Present updates to leadership and stakeholders while ensuring alignment across all levels of the organization.

Improve the Future- Identify opportunities to strengthen project management processes, improve execution efficiency, and accelerate speed-to-market for future product launches.

What You Bring to the Table

Passion for Product Development- You are energized by taking new ideas and transforming them into successful products that deliver value to customers and the business.

Natural Project Leader - You enjoy bringing teams together, building alignment, and driving projects forward through influence, organization, and strong communication.

Problem Solver by Nature - You approach challenges with curiosity and structure, using data and sound judgment to make decisions and remove obstacles.

Organized and Accountable- You thrive in a fast-paced environment, can effectively manage multiple priorities, and consistently deliver on commitments.

Strong Communicator - You communicate effectively across all levels of an organization and are comfortable facilitating discussions, presenting updates, and managing stakeholder expectations.

Collaborative Mindset - You believe great products are the result of strong teamwork and enjoy partnering with cross functional groups to achieve shared goals.

Technical and Business Awareness - You understand the balance between customer needs, technical requirements, manufacturing constraints, quality expectations, and commercial objectives.

Experience that Matters

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related field
- 3+ years of experience in Product Development, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related technical disciplines
- 2+ years of experience managing cross-functional projects
- Experience with structured product development and launch processes
- APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, MOI, or related quality and launch methodologies preferred
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes including machining, casting, molding, stamping, or assembly operations preferred

What You'll Get

- An open and collaborative work environment with short communication lines
- Opportunities to lead meaningful, high-visibility product initiatives
- Exposure to global teams, suppliers, and manufacturing operations
- Professional development and career growth opportunities
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
- The opportunity to help bring innovative products to market and make a measurable business impact

Additional Information

Travel -This position may require up to 20% domestic and international travel to suppliers, manufacturing facilities, and project locations.

Work Environment

The work environment is primarily an oAice setting with regular interaction in manufacturing and testing environments. Employees may periodically be exposed to moving mechanical equipment, airborne particles, varying temperatures, and elevated noise levels typical of manufacturing facilities. Appropriate personal protective equipment is required when working in production areas. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Interested?

If you're passionate about leading cross-functional teams, bringing innovative products to market, and making a meaningful impact within a global organization, we'd love to hear from you. Join the Global Tool Unit and help shape the next generation of industry-leading fastening solutions.

Compensation Information:

Compensation Transparency

The salary range for this position is $101,000- $130,000 annually plus performance incentive. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. The company considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.