Project Manager - IT at Tangent Technologies in Aurora, IL

The Project Manager will lead the planning, execution, and delivery of technology projects across Tangent's manufacturing, commercial, and corporate functions. This role is dedicated primarily to the IT project portfolio, which spans cloud and infrastructure, ERP, Salesforce and CRM, website and digital, AI, and data and analytics. The majority of these projects are cross-functional, involving stakeholders and deliverables across multiple departments, so success depends as much on aligning business partners and external delivery partners as on managing technical work. While the primary focus is IT, the Project Manager may also lead or provide project management support to select initiatives outside of IT as PMO priorities require.

Tangent is seeking a strong technology generalist rather than a specialist in any single platform: someone who can move confidently between project types, direct implementation partners, and hold delivery accountable to business outcomes including user adoption, operational readiness, and realized value. The successful candidate will be an organized, self-directed leader with at least 3 years of experience managing technology projects, hands-on Agile delivery experience, and an active PMP certification. This is a full-time, onsite position. This position is part of the Project Management Office and will report to the PMO Manager, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the VP of Information Technology.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the full lifecycle of assigned projects, from intake and business case through planning, execution, go-live, and closure

• Lead delivery using Agile and Scrum practices, including backlog refinement, sprint planning, stand-ups, and retrospectives, applying hybrid approaches where release windows, cutovers, or vendor milestones require a more structured plan

• Lead cross-functional project teams spanning IT, operations, engineering, quality, supply chain, finance, sales, and human resources, negotiating priorities and trade-offs where departmental objectives compete

• Select, direct, and hold accountable external implementation partners and vendors, including statements of work, deliverables, milestones, and change orders

• Define measurable business outcomes with project sponsors, including adoption targets, operational readiness criteria, and the benefits each investment is expected to deliver

• Drive organizational change management and end-user readiness, including communication planning, training, cutover planning, and post go-live support

• Confirm value realization after go-live by measuring results against agreed success criteria and reporting outcomes to sponsors and the PMO

• Maintain project plans, schedules, and RAID (risks, assumptions, issues, dependencies) logs, and actively manage risks, issues, and cross-project dependencies, escalating to the PMO Manager and VP of IT as appropriate

• Manage project financials, including estimates, capital and operating expense classification, purchase requisitions, and validation of vendor invoices against approved budget

• Facilitate project team, stakeholder, and steering committee meetings, and deliver clear, accurate status reporting to sponsors and executive audiences

• Ensure projects comply with IT governance, information security, data privacy, and change control standards

• Support and strengthen PMO standards, templates, and portfolio reporting, and lead or assist select non-IT initiatives at the direction of the PMO Manager

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent technology projects of varying size and complexity

• Breadth across technology domains such as cloud and infrastructure, ERP, CRM, digital and web, AI, and data and analytics, with the ability to come up to speed quickly on unfamiliar platforms

• Working knowledge of Agile and Scrum, with the judgment to apply hybrid approaches when a project requires a more structured delivery plan

• Proven success delivering cross-functional projects, including the ability to lead and hold accountable team members who do not report to the Project Manager

• Strong vendor and partner management skills, including coordination of statements of work, deliverables, and change orders

• Ability to define, measure, and communicate business outcomes such as user adoption, operational readiness, and benefit realization

• Familiarity with enterprise business systems in a manufacturing setting. Infor SyteLine / CloudSuite Industrial experience a plus

• Ability to translate technical detail into clear business language for non-technical and executive audiences

• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or similar platforms

• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a similar field

• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing technology projects. Experience in a manufacturing environment is strongly preferred

• Active PMP (Project Management Professional) certification required

• Demonstrated experience delivering projects using Agile and/or Scrum. Scrum or Agile certification such as CSM, PSM, or PMI-ACP is a plus

• Experience delivering projects across more than one technology domain, such as ERP, CRM, cloud, digital, or analytics, preferred

• Self-motivated and comfortable working in an independent working environment

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to present ideas

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

• This is a full-time, onsite position. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for this role

• Periodic time spent in manufacturing and warehouse areas, including exposure to noise, moving equipment, and temperature variation. Required personal protective equipment must be worn in designated areas

• Travel will be minimal