Project Manager

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Employment Type: Permanent Job Category: Manufacturing / Process Engineering Job Number: 53269842 Compensation: $70000-90000 / year

Job Description

Title: Project Manager 
Salary: 80-90k 
Industry: Plastics
Location: Crystal Lake 
Type of Role: Direct Hire 


We are a mid-sized company specializing in heavy-hitting, high-performance plastic products serving industrial, commercial, and custom-manufacturing clients. Due to the launch of a major new project, we are expanding our team and adding key headcount to support continued growth. We offer a stable, well-established environment with an outstanding, people-focused culture where employees are valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.


Key Responsibilities:

Proposal & Project Initiation
  • Develop and manage project proposals, scopes of work, and timelines.
  • Collaborate with sales and engineering to evaluate feasibility and clarify customer requirements.
  • Participate in project kickoff meetings and ensure all parties understand deliverables and expectations.
Blueprints, Technical Specs & Estimating
  • Review, interpret, and analyze blueprints, technical drawings, CAD files, and material specifications.
  • Prepare accurate quotations, estimates, and cost breakdowns for labor, materials, tooling, and production.
  • Work with engineering and production teams to validate assumptions and pricing accuracy.
  • Identify potential risks, constraints, or design challenges early in the process.
Project Execution & Coordination
  • Manage project schedules, milestones, and communication with internal stakeholders and customers.
  • Ensure materials, tooling, and resources are available and aligned with project timelines.
  • Monitor production progress and troubleshoot issues to minimize delays or cost overruns.
  • Maintain detailed project documentation and status reports.
Customer & Stakeholder Communication
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned projects.
  • Communicate updates, changes, and technical clarifications clearly and professionally.
  • Support customers through the full lifecycle—from quote to delivery and post-project follow-up.
Continuous Improvement
  • Recommend process improvements related to estimating, workflow management, documentation, and project execution.
  • Support efforts to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall customer experience.
Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent relevant experience).
  • 3+ years of project management experience in manufacturing, plastics, industrial, or similar technical environments.
  • Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and technical specifications.
  • Proven experience in quoting, estimating, and proposal development.

Meet Your Recruiter

Erik Butzen
Technical Recruiter

Erik Butzen is a skilled and compassionate Senior Recruiter passionate about empowering individuals to advance in their careers. With two years of dedicated service at Sterling, Erik has already significantly impacted the organization's talent acquisition efforts.

Having honed his expertise over five years in the field of recruiting, Erik possesses a deep understanding of the industry's intricacies. His journey began with the desire to assist individuals in finding opportunities that would propel their professional growth forward.

As a Senior Recruiter, Erik takes great pride in his ability to help people make meaningful advancements in their careers. Whether it's guiding a candidate through the interview process, providing valuable insights into the job market, or matching the right talent with the perfect role, Erik is committed to positively impacting the lives of those he interacts with.

One of Erik's most valuable pieces of advice to both hiring managers and fellow recruiters is to ask a lot of questions. Understanding the needs and expectations of both candidates and employers is essential to finding the best fit for both parties.

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About Crystal Lake, IL

Looking for exciting job opportunities in the vibrant Crystal Lake, Illinois area? Explore our listings and discover why this region has so much to offer for your career growth. Nestled in McHenry County, Crystal Lake is known for its picturesque views of the namesake lake, offering a peaceful escape from city life yet conveniently located near Chicago. With its charming downtown lined with quaint shops and dining options, like the famous Duke's Alehouse and the Raue Center for the Arts showcasing top-notch performances, this area combines small-town charm with cultural richness. Enjoy outdoor adventures at Three Oaks Recreation Area or catch a game at Lippold Park. Crystal Lake is not just a place to work, but a community to thrive in. Start your journey today!