Operations Project Manager

About the role

You will own the end to end execution of injection molding projects from initial kickoff through final delivery, acting as the central hub for all project activities. You will translate client objectives into detailed project plans, timelines, and resource strategies while maintaining a sharp focus on on time delivery. You will build deep knowledge of each client's business, organization, and long term goals to identify opportunities that enhance satisfaction and strengthen relationships. You will partner closely with internal teams and the account manager to remove roadblocks, manage risks, and ensure quality standards are upheld throughout every phase. You will communicate proactively and clearly, providing structured updates that keep stakeholders aligned and informed without ambiguity. You will leverage your organizational skills to manage competing priorities, adapting quickly when requirements shift or new demands emerge. You will champion continuous improvement by documenting processes, creating reusable knowledge, and refining workflows for future projects. You will embody the entrepreneurial spirit of Proto Labs by taking ownership, asking insightful questions, and driving projects to successful completion with professionalism and care.

Key facts

Location: USA

Engagement: Full-time

Shift

M-F - 8 Hours

What you'll do

Coordinate project schedules, monitor progress, and adjust plans to keep injection molding projects on track and aligned with client expectations.

Serve as the main point of contact for clients, internal teams, and the account manager, consolidating information and escalating issues when necessary.

Analyze project requirements, scope, and constraints to develop comprehensive execution strategies that balance quality, cost, and timelines.

Track key performance indicators, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to improve delivery performance and reduce risks.

Facilitate cross functional collaboration, ensuring that design, engineering, production, and logistics teams work together seamlessly throughout each project.

Build and maintain detailed project documentation, including timelines, decisions, and action items, to create a clear and accessible record for all stakeholders.

Proactively identify potential roadblocks, assess their impact, and coordinate solutions that keep projects moving forward without disruption.

Gather feedback from clients and internal partners to uncover opportunities for improvement and to strengthen long term relationships.

Champion data informed decision making, using project metrics to guide discussions, validate assumptions, and support continuous refinement of processes.

Promote a culture of ownership and accountability, encouraging the team to take initiative and uphold the highest standards in quality and service.

Support the expansion of client knowledge by learning about their business model, market position, and strategic priorities during each engagement.

Lead structured project reviews, capturing lessons learned and best practices that can be applied to future injection molding initiatives.

Drive consistent communication cadences, ensuring stakeholders receive timely updates and that expectations are managed throughout every phase.

Champion the use of standardized tools and templates to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure that every project follows proven methodologies.

Requirements

You must be authorized to work in the United States and not require sponsorship now or in the future for this role.

You must have a Bachelor degree in a relevant field or equivalent practical experience.

You must have a demonstrated history of managing complex projects, ideally within manufacturing, operations, or a related environment.

You must be highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.

You must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, able to convey information clearly to both technical and non technical audiences.

You must be comfortable using project management tools and methodologies to plan, track, and report on project progress.

You must have strong problem solving abilities, with a proactive approach to identifying risks and developing practical solutions.

You must be comfortable working in a fast paced, dynamic environment where priorities can shift quickly and adaptability is essential.

Nice to have

Previous experience in injection molding, additive manufacturing, or other production environments is preferred.

Experience with quality management systems or continuous improvement frameworks such as Lean or Six Sigma is preferred.

Familiarity with Proto Labs products, services, and digital manufacturing concepts is a plus.

Proficiency in advanced data analysis or reporting tools is a practical advantage for tracking project performance.

Practical notes

This is a full time position based in Plymouth, Minnesota, operating during standard business hours Monday through Friday.

Relocation support is not available for this role.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship at any time.

Travel is not expected as part of this role.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

The posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Candidates are encouraged to move quickly if they are strongly aligned with the requirements.