Project Manager - NPI

As a Project Manager - NPI at Fluence, you will lead cross-functional teams through the entire product development cycle to manufacturing, manage project schedules, budgets, and resources, and coordinate battery module assembly processes. Your role will also involve driving design reviews, ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards, and optimizing production costs while tracking project KPIs.

To qualify for the Project Manager - NPI position at Fluence, candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field and ideally have 3-5 years of NPI experience in manufacturing. A PMP certification is preferred, as is familiarity with PLM/ERP systems such as Windchill and SAP. Strong stakeholder management skills and knowledge of quality systems are also essential.

A Project Manager - NPI at Fluence contributes significantly to our mission of creating a more resilient grid and maximizing renewable energy potential by ensuring streamlined product development and high-quality manufacturing processes. Their leadership and project management expertise help drive innovation and efficiency within our projects.

Project Managers at Fluence enjoy a hybrid work environment, with the flexibility to work in the office 2-3 days a week. We foster a creative and inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and teamwork, making it an exciting place to grow your career in renewable energy.

While PMP certification is preferred for the Project Manager - NPI role at Fluence, having additional certifications such as Six Sigma can be highly beneficial. Knowledge of automation, Industry 4.0, and CAD software also adds value to your experience and makes you a stronger candidate.

Begin by assessing the project's critical path and identifying the causes of delays. Communicate transparently with your team and stakeholders about the situation, then prioritize tasks that can help recover lost time. Implementing agile methodologies can also help to adapt to changes more seamlessly.

Discuss your specific experience in leading new product introduction processes, detailing key milestones and how you collaborated with cross-functional teams. Highlight your role in developing timelines, ensuring quality standards, and your understanding of customer requirements throughout the process.

Mention specific tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, or Asana that you have used extensively for project management. Discuss the benefits of utilizing these tools in terms of tracking progress, resource management, and collaborating with team members.

Addressing conflicts involves active listening and understanding different perspectives. Facilitate discussions to clarify issues and encourage open communication, leading to a collaborative solution. Your goal should be to maintain a positive team dynamic while ensuring project objectives are met.

Share examples of projects where you successfully managed budgets, focusing on how you monitored expenditures, identified cost-saving opportunities, and reported financials to stakeholders. Discuss any tools or methodologies you used for effective budget tracking.

Utilize structured methodologies, such as Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), to ensure that design reviews are thorough. Encourage feedback from cross-functional teams, and document action items to track necessary design changes.

Evaluate each project's impact on business goals and deadlines. Use a prioritization matrix to determine which projects require immediate attention, and be transparent with your team and stakeholders about your decisions to manage expectations effectively.

Engage stakeholders early in the project by establishing clear communication channels. Regular updates and soliciting feedback throughout the project lifecycle ensures alignment with their expectations and fosters trust, which is critical for project success.

Share instances where you ensured regulatory compliance within a project. Emphasize your understanding of relevant regulations and how you maintained documentation and communication with compliance teams throughout the project's lifecycle.

Focus on identifying inefficiencies in the production process. Utilize tools such as Lean Six Sigma methodologies to streamline operations, reduce waste, and implement best practices, ultimately leading to better cost optimization.