Value Engineering Project Manager

Value Engineering Project Manager POSITION PURPOSE: The Project Manager works with the Value Engineering Team to reduce cost of a product without negatively affecting the product or process performance.  This position supports purchasing, R&D, engineering, manufacturing, sales, and marketing through new product design, managing product development projects, and competitor analysis.  Must interface regularly with product managers, engineers, laboratory technicians, model makers, tool makers and service technicians to ensure that plans and programs are completed in a timely manner.  This position will lead projects in both the Hanover Park, IL and Winamac, IN sites.     DEPARTMENT INFORMATION: The mission of the SAVE IT / Value Engineering team is to have a fully dedicated cross functional team with the sole objective to create and implement cost savings projects that meet our customers’ needs while maximizing our competitiveness in the market.      PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS SPECIFIC TO THIS POSITION: Walking, standing, bending, lifting up to 40lbs, use of a computer, typing and ability to speak English.   Travel: Up to 40% travel may be required.  Expected travel to Winamac, IN and various suppliers.   MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:  1.  Initiate and execute Value Engineering projects for Pentair’s Hanover Park, IL and Winamac, IN sites.  2.  Full responsibility for achieving savings goals assigned on time to plan 3.  Capable of performing total cost of ownership analysis 4.  Create an action plan for each project, detailing all steps required to bring project parts into fully approved production. 5.  Confirm and document Pentair Water product design and performance specifications.  6.  Initiate and monitor laboratory and field testing of products, parts and components in a timely manner as required.  7.  Develop and follow procedures and standards to ensure that the products meet/exceed established performance criteria. 8.  Promote continuous improvement in the SAVE IT / Value Engineering Department by supporting the development and implementation of Standards and Procedures that support speeding product to market while ensuring that products consistently meet or exceed customer requirements, regulatory standards and ISO compliance needs. 9.  Coordinate with Tactical Purchasing the transition from current to new supplier – managing the reduction of pipeline inventory from the current supplier such that savings can be captured within a short period of time after new supplier full part approval. 10. Work with Tactical Purchasing to ensure a proper material plan with the new supplier is accepted and in place 11. Determine monthly forecasted savings - maintaining timely and accurate Savings Tracker information 12. Present weekly project updates to Division Leaders and Management 13. Maintain an On Deck list of future projects – pulling them on to the active Tracker and implementing in a timely manner 14. Perform other duties as assigned. Pentair is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  m/f/v/d     QUALIFICATIONS:    Minimum five (5) years of experience in product design engineering or sourcing with demonstrated experience in project management.  Must be a team player with the ability to lead cross functional projects. Experience with design of machine elements, mechanisms, plastics, pressure vessels and gearing is preferred.  Must be able to strive for excellence while working in a fast paced environment.      EDUCATION OR DEGREE REQUIRED: Four-year Business or Engineering degree required.  Will consider equivalent experience.  Additional training/schooling in supply management, project management, or engineering is a plus.     LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED/PREFERRED: APICS, CWS, P.E. preferred     RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Ideal candidate would have project management, engineering, or purchasing/supply experience.  Previous work experience in the water or water treatment industry is a plus.    SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: · Organizational skills required to manage multiple projects, across multiple sites, while maintaining the project schedule. · Ability to produce product designs based on defined product specifications. · Analytical thought process so that root causes can be determined from observed output. · Ability to embrace and drive change throughout the organization. · Working knowledge of Demand Flow, JIT, Lean Manufacturing procurement a plus.   CRITICAL SKILL DIMENSIONS: · Must be able to complete projects on time and within assigned budget. · Performs work consistent with expected standards of performance; exhibits accuracy, thoroughness, and effectiveness in carrying out work duties.  · Shows respect, diplomacy and sensitivity in employee, customer and vendor relations. · Must have good communication skills to facilitate public speaking, talking on the telephone, writing and listening.  · Must be competent in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and MS Project. · Promotes a positive company image.     Pentair is an Equal Opportunity Employer.