Project Manager - Business Lifecycle

We are seeking a proactive and highly organized Project Manager to lead the execution of Business Lifecycle (BLC) projects within our R&D organization. This role will focus on driving disciplined execution of projects that sustain and improve our existing product lines across commercial roofing and the building envelope systems . These projects include initiatives related to quality, cost optimization, regulatory compliance, safety, and supply chain resilience.

The ideal candidate will bring strong project leadership experience in manufacturing or technical environments. This position will play a key role in formalizing project management capabilities within R&D, setting a foundation for scalable execution excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead Business Lifecycle (BLC) projects from initiation through launch, ensuring delivery on time, within scope and budget, and aligned to safety and quality standards.

• Facilitate cross-functional execution by aligning R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Product Management, and Finance on project deliverables and decision timelines. Ensure that projects effectively transitioned through various functional groups.

• Coordinate and lead project updates, gate reviews, and decision forums in alignment with the Stage Gate framework.

• Proactively surface project risks and decision needs to functional leaders, enabling fast escalation and resolution.

• Manage third-party vendors, contract partners, and suppliers to ensure delivery against project timelines, scope, and quality expectations; proactively address performance issues and escalate risks that may impact project success.

Governance & Process Discipline

• Ensure consistent adherence to internal Stage Gate standards, maintaining complete and timely documentation across all project phases.

• Drive gate readiness by aligning stakeholders on project scope, resource commitments, and success criteria.

• Maintain performance visibility through timely updates of key project KPIs (schedule, budget, risk), enabling data-driven governance.

Organizational Enablement

• Coach project team members on best practices in communication, issue escalation, risk mitigation and process discipline .

• Collaborate with Innovation and project management colleagues t o evolve project management standards, tools, and training.

• Identify recurring execution challenges and recommend process improvements that improve efficiency or decision quality.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of project management experience in a manufacturing, R&D, or technical environment , with a strong track record of on-time, in-scope project delivery.

• Bachelors degree in engineering, materials or applied science, operations management , or related field. MBA or Masters degree is a plus.

• PMP certification or equivalent demonstrated project management expertise .

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders , such as business leaders, product managers, technical staff, and operations , without formal authority.

• Hands-on experience applying Stage Gate or gated innovation frameworks to product or process development.

• Industry experience in building materials, chemicals, polymers, or materials science sectors.

• Experience managing third-party suppliers or contract partners in quality-critical projects is a strong plus.

• Comfort working in environments where project management maturity is still developing.

Key Competencies:

• Execution Focus: Demonstrates a bias for action and follows through on commitments with discipline and attention to detail .

• Organizational Agility: Navigates matrixed environments effectively , understands formal and informal decision channels

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Builds trust, alignment, and shared ownership across diverse functional groups .

• Influence Without Authority: Gains buy-in through credibility, data, and structured communication .

• Systems Thinking: Sees how project-level work connects to strategic business outcomes and long-term product health .

• Continuous Improvement: Proactively identifies inefficiencies and champions scalable process improvements .