Project Manager (NPD)

Company: A.O. Smith
Location: Saint Francis
Posted on: March 24, 2026

Job Description:

Company / Location Information A.O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products for residential and light commercial applications. A. O. Smith is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with approximately 12,000 employees at operations in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Primary Function The Manufacturing Project Manager (NPD) is an experienced project management professional who leads the entire organization through the new product development process. The Project Manager will assist in providing advice, managing projects, and facilitating meetings between key stakeholders or division leaders. The incumbent in this role will act as a consultant, facilitator, communicator, coach, and bridge builder. The key to success in this role is proactively managing project timelines and key customer targets to ensure all project requirements are delivered on time and on budget. Responsibilities Provides project management for new product development and technology projects using the A. O. Smith lean product development methodology and process Become a coach and a subject matter expert in lean product development for A. O. Smith and works across segments to facilitate the knowledge and adoption of the process through coaching, mentoring and advising Works with Product Managers, Product Engineers, and other key stakeholders to facilitate projects through the new product development lean process including scope, develop and implement. Manage the Project Charter to define the project scope, resource needs, specific milestones and tasks, associated effort estimates, project assumptions, expected risks and a communication plan for reporting progress. Manages work activities of geographically dispersed cross-functional teams, create project plan, facilitate the plan and work (monitor and adjust), manage project risks, is accountable to leadership team and closes project by delivering products that meet the value proposition and benefit the company Coordinates the project plan activities including daily huddles, Andon’s, knowledge gaps, manages use of technology tools to facilitate work, the lead process and communication as well as lead the team through integration events to bring the larger cross-functional teams together in alignment Manages a communication plan to include a project team kickoff meeting, escalation plan and weekly progress reporting. Escalates quickly when issues cannot be resolved at the project team level. Ensures project deliverables are completed on time and are of high quality, including business requirements and approval, and reports status to stakeholders in a timely manner. Qualifications Bachelors Degree Minimum 5 Years of related expeirence PMP credentials, preferred Demonstrated experience in Project Management processes Proficient in Microsoft Office Products, SmartSheets, and other PM Software Excellent client service, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills Demonstrate strong emotional intelligence, ability to think critically and evaluate current processes and identify opportunities for improvement Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously Solid organizational skills, attention to details and multitasking skills a must Use and continually develop leadership skills We Offer Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance. LI-AO LI-Hybrid Appcast ADA Statement & EEO Statement In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.

Keywords: A.O. Smith, Evanston , Project Manager (NPD), Engineering , Saint Francis, Illinois