Job Title: Project Manager – Dish Machine Program
Location: Eagan, Minnesota 55121 (Open for Remote and Hybrid for the right fit)
Duration: 24 Months (Possible Extension)

Position Summary
The Project Manager, Dish Machine Program, will lead strategic initiatives to expand and strengthen client’s global equipment supplier network. This role is responsible for managing multiple concurrent projects focused on supplier qualification, resourcing, risk mitigation, cost optimization, manufacturing resiliency, and business continuity across  client’s Dish Machine portfolio.
The successful candidate will combine strong project management capabilities with a technical engineering background to effectively lead cross-functional teams through qualification, validation, and commercialization activities. This individual will provide day-to-day direction and coordination for engineering resources located in both the United States and China while ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within scope, and aligned with business objectives.
This role is ideal for a highly organized, technically capable project leader who can effectively balance strategic priorities with detailed execution and drive results in a global environment.

Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Execution
Lead multiple concurrent supply base expansion projects across  client’s  equipment portfolio.
Develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, resource requirements, risks, and mitigation strategies.
Drive execution of supplier qualification, validation, manufacturing readiness, and commercialization activities.
Facilitate cross-functional team meetings and ensure alignment on project priorities, deliverables, and milestones.
Monitor project progress and provide regular status updates to leadership and stakeholders.
Escalate key risks, resource constraints, and critical decisions to leadership as appropriate.
Ensure projects meet quality, schedule, and operational readiness objectives.
Supplier Expansion & Qualification
Lead initiatives to identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to support supply chain resiliency and growth objectives.
Coordinate supplier assessments, technical reviews, prototype builds, validation testing, and production readiness activities.
Partner with sourcing, quality, manufacturing, regulatory, and engineering teams to ensure supplier qualification requirements are met.
Support supplier transition strategies, dual-source initiatives, localization efforts, and cost-reduction programs.
Drive execution of risk mitigation projects related to single-source components and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Global Team Coordination
Provide project direction and coordinate work activities for engineering resources located in the United States and China.
Drive accountability across cross-functional teams and ensure actions are completed according to project schedules.
Facilitate communication between regional teams, suppliers, and business stakeholders.
Support global collaboration across RD&E, sourcing, manufacturing, quality, service, and operations functions.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Five or more years of project management experience in product development, manufacturing, sourcing, engineering, operations, or a related technical environment.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and driving complex projects from initiation through completion.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously while balancing priorities and meeting deadlines.
Strong organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Experience working with suppliers, contract manufacturers, or global supply chains.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Teams, and SharePoint.
Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management training.
Experience supporting supplier qualification, supplier transitions, dual sourcing, or supply chain resiliency initiatives.
Knowledge of commercial dish machines, foodservice equipment, warewashing systems, dispensing equipment, or related institutional equipment.
Experience working with global engineering teams and international suppliers.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes, quality systems, product validation, and commercialization activities.
Understanding of product lifecycle management, engineering change management, and supplier quality processes.
Experience managing projects involving mechanical, electrical, controls, or electro-mechanical products.
Ability to speak and communicate in Mandarin Chinese.
Experience collaborating directly with suppliers and engineering teams in China.

Success Factors
Independently manage multiple complex projects with minimal supervision.
Build strong working relationships with suppliers, engineering teams, and business stakeholders.
Effectively coordinate resources across geographic regions and functions.
Balance technical understanding with strong project execution discipline.
Drive projects to completion while maintaining focus on quality, cost, schedule, and risk management.
Quickly learn  client equipment platforms, supplier networks, and operational processes.

Assignment Information
This is a 24-month contractor position based in Eagan, Minnesota. The assignment will focus on expanding and strengthening  client’s global supplier network while supporting business growth, supply chain resiliency, cost optimization, and operational continuity initiatives across the Global Equipment portfolio.
  
 
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws.This position's pay range is $54.00/hr - $60.00/hr.