Project Manager

Project Manager - Large-Scale Network Refresh (Manufacturing Environment)

Project Management, Network Fundamentals, Customer & Vendor Management

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning & Execution

• Develop and manage the end-to-end project plan for network refresh activities across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and key milestones in collaboration with engineering and customer teams.
• Oversee the installation of Cisco Wireless & Switch solutions, and structured cabling work for switch replacements.
• Ensure adherence to safety guidelines and compliance standards for high-ceiling AP installations.
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify and mitigate risks or roadblocks.

Stakeholder & Vendor Coordination

• Act as the primary point of contact between customer leadership, network engineers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Work closely with network architects, engineers, cabling specialists, and OEM vendors to align on project execution strategy.
• Ensure vendors meet safety and certification requirements
• Conduct weekly status meetings with all stakeholders and provide regular project updates to customer leadership.

Risk & Compliance Management

• Ensure strict adherence to customer's security and change control policies while executing network refresh activities.
• Develop and enforce contingency plans to minimize shop floor disruption during the network transition.
• Conduct onsite risk assessments and work with safety officers to mitigate hazards during AP/switch installations.

Budget & Resource Management

• Manage resource allocation, ensuring engineering teams and vendors are properly scheduled for deployments.
• Control costs by monitoring equipment procurement, installation services, and labor expenses.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and contractual obligations for all third-party vendors.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain detailed project documentation, including:
  • Site-specific AP placement and RF validation reports.
  • Structured cabling layouts and switch upgrade blueprints.
  • Change management and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Safety compliance checklists for vendor teams.
• Provide weekly/monthly executive reports outlining project progress, risks, and key achievements.
• Ensure proper handover of project documentation upon completion, including network topology diagrams and post-deployment validation reports.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 10+ years of experience managing large-scale network infrastructure projects.
• Strong background in enterprise network deployment, refresh projects, and IT infrastructure rollouts.
• Experience in manufacturing or industrial environments is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple vendors and subcontractors simultaneously.
• Expertise in stakeholder management, risk mitigation, and project governance.
• Experience in high-risk environments requiring strict adherence to safety standards.
• Familiarity with Cisco & Juniper Wireless solutions, Cisco Spaces, and Arista/Cisco switching infrastructure.
• Basic understanding of structured cabling best practices.
• Ability to work closely with engineers to align project timelines with technical deliverables.

Preferred Certifications (Highly Desirable):

Project Management Certifications: PMP, PRINCE2, Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP).