Project Manager - New Berlin, WI

As a Project Manager at Konecranes in New Berlin, WI, your primary responsibilities will include coordinating all stages of project management, from pre-production planning to installation. You will organize internal kickoff meetings, manage production processes, and draft delivery schedules. Additionally, you'll collaborate with engineering and purchasing teams to ensure all deliverables align with customer expectations, monitor project budgets in SAP, and maintain communication with frontline teams to assure customer satisfaction.

To be considered for the Project Manager role at Konecranes, candidates typically need a degree in engineering, project management, or a related field, alongside relevant experience managing complex projects. Strong communication and organizational skills, as well as proficiency in tools like Microsoft Project and SAP, are essential. A background in material handling or manufacturing can be a plus, aligning with our focus on delivering exceptional service.

Konecranes supports its Project Managers through continuous training and providing a collaborative work environment. Project Managers have access to advanced tools and systems, such as Microsoft Project and SAP, to streamline project oversight. There is also a strong emphasis on teamwork across departments to improve efficiency and effectiveness, allowing Project Managers to focus on ensuring the success of their projects.

Konecranes fosters a vibrant and inclusive culture where Project Managers are valued for their diverse backgrounds and unique skills. The emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, and open communication ensures that all employees, including Project Managers, can thrive in their roles. The company is dedicated to professional growth and encouraging an environment where individuals can be themselves while contributing to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

As a Project Manager at Konecranes, you will oversee a range of projects focused on the modernization and electrics factory product line. This includes projects from initial scope definition to final installation, involving coordination between several departments, vendors, and subcontractors. Your role will ensure that projects meet customer requirements while staying on schedule and within budget.

When answering this question, highlight specific methodologies like Agile or Waterfall that you’ve used in managing projects. Be ready to discuss how these approaches helped streamline project timelines and improve team collaboration, emphasizing your adaptability and the impact on project outcomes.

Discuss your experience with budget tracking tools, such as SAP, and how you compare actual spending against estimates. Emphasize your approach to identifying potential budget overruns and the steps you take to communicate and collaborate with the team to address issues proactively.

Share specific strategies you implement to maintain open lines of communication among your team, such as regular status meetings, updates via project management software, and fostering an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing concerns. Highlight the importance of keeping everyone informed to ensure project success.

Talk about your method for assessing project tasks based on urgency and importance. Share examples of how you determine which tasks need immediate attention and how you communicate those priorities with your team to keep the project moving forward efficiently.

Prepare to share a specific project that faced challenges, detailing the obstacles encountered and the strategies you used to overcome them. Focus on your problem-solving skills and the importance of collaboration with your team and stakeholders to create solutions.

Discuss your experience in setting quality standards and how you ensure products meet those standards throughout the project lifecycle. Highlight your collaboration with engineering and production teams to perform checks and ensure compliance with customer specifications.

List the project management tools you are familiar with, such as Microsoft Project or Jira, and explain how you’ve used these tools to facilitate project planning, resource management, and tracking progress. Providing examples will showcase your hands-on experience.

Explain your process for managing scope changes, including how you communicate changes to the team and stakeholders. Emphasize the importance of documenting changes and assessing their impacts on timeline and budget while maintaining customer expectations.

When discussing this scenario, provide a specific example of how you assessed priorities and the decision-making process you utilized to allocate resources effectively. This demonstrates your ability to handle pressure while keeping projects on track.

Share your approach to identifying risks early in the project phase and the strategies you implement to mitigate them. Explain how you ensure that potential risks are communicated to the team, and illustrate your proactive approach to safeguarding project success.