Director of Project Management – Robotic Automation - Wauseon Machine : Job Details

Director of Project Management – Robotic Automation

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Director of Project Management – Robotic Automation

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Wauseon Machine, a leader in robotic integration and engineered automation solutions, is seeking a Director of Project Management to lead and expand our Automation Division's project execution capabilities. This high-impact role will drive excellence in program delivery across the business while also taking the lead on some of our most technically demanding customer engagements.

This role is ideal for a hands-on, strategic leader who brings a high level of technical credibility and operational discipline to complex, engineered-to-order automation projects. The Director will be responsible for setting standards, optimizing processes, coaching a team of project managers, and ensuring successful outcomes for our customers and business alike.

Core Responsibilities:

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Provide leadership and direction for the Project Management Office (PMO), overseeing project managers and developing the team's long-term capability.
• Establish and maintain standardized project management methodologies, tools, and KPIs across the Automation Division.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration between Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to ensure aligned execution.

Strategic Project Ownership

• Directly manage key, high-complexity customer projects as required to ensure scope, budget, and schedule are met.
• Serve as the executive program leader for critical customer and supplier engagements, acting as the face of the company in project reviews, escalations, and executive-level initiatives.
• Act as the escalation point for high-risk programs, managing issues proactively and aligning internal teams around resolution strategies.

Process & Execution Management

• Own the phase-gate model and ensure consistent execution of all project planning disciplines including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, and risk assessment.
• Monitor project financials (ETC/EAC) and performance metrics at both the program and portfolio level.
• Implement continuous improvement processes based on lessons learned and root cause analysis.

Commercial & Customer Interface

• Partner with Sales and Applications Engineering during pre-sale efforts to ensure accurate planning and smooth handoff into execution.
• Lead communication with key customers and stakeholders, representing the company's project delivery capability and commitment.
• Manage scope changes and project negotiations while maintaining customer satisfaction and protecting business objectives.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Project Management or Business required; PMP certification required.
• Minimum 12–15 years of experience managing complex capital equipment or robotic automation projects.
• Proven leadership experience overseeing technical project managers or cross-functional execution teams.
• Strong understanding of custom automation environments, including robotic systems, PLCs, machine safety, and mechanical integration.
• Proficiency with MS Project (or equivalent), Excel, and data-driven project reporting platforms.
• Track record of driving successful project delivery in a high-mix, customer-centric engineering business.
• Willingness to travel (up to 15%) for customer meetings and site support.

Desired Soft Skills:

• Executive presence with strong communication and presentation skills.
• Decisive and composed under pressure, with strong problem-solving instincts.
• Highly organized with a structured, detail-oriented approach to program execution.
• Collaborative leadership style that fosters trust, accountability, and results.
• Capable of influencing across departments and balancing short-term demands with long-term strategic goals.

Seniority level

• Seniority levelDirector

Employment type

• Employment typeFull-time

Job function

• Job functionProject Management, Strategy/Planning, and Management
• IndustriesAutomation Machinery Manufacturing, Robotics Engineering, and Industrial Machinery Manufacturing

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Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Student loan assistance

Disability insurance

Tuition assistance

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