Project Manager, Steel Towers (m/f/d)

REQUISITION ID:  12831
LOCATION: 

Chicago, IL, US, 60606 West Branch, IA, US, 52358

DEPARTMENT:  Sourcing

Do you want to be part of an agile team where colleagueship truly matters?

 

As a global company, we interact with a variety of people and cultures. Integrity, Respect, Colleagueship and Ownership are the unifying force for all departments and regions around the world. It’s the individual that defines the team. And it’s the team that makes the difference. Join the #TEAMNORDEX and shape the future of energy with us.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The role of Project Manager – Steel Towers directly supports the company’s mission to develop and deliver clean power plants that make 100% renewable energy a reality for the world. As the Project Manager – Steel Towers you are responsible for leading the successful industrial and operational scale-up of steel tower manufacturing capacity in North America, from initial setup to full production volume in more than 4 different tower factories.

 

This role ensures alignment across suppliers, sourcing, planning, quality, logistics, and project execution teams, securing on-time, on-quality, and on-cost delivery during the ramp-up phase. The position focuses strongly on operational execution, risk mitigation, and cross-functional coordination.

 

 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

  • Lead the overall ramp-up plan for steel tower supply in North America, from initial qualification to full production capacity
  • Coordinate all operational activities across suppliers, internal teams (Sourcing, Quality, Engineering, Logistics), and project stakeholders
  • Develop and maintain a detailed ramp-up roadmap, including capacity, resources, tooling, and production milestones
  • Ensure supplier readiness in terms of manufacturing capability, workforce, equipment, and industrial processes
  • Monitor production progress and resolve bottlenecks affecting throughput, quality, or delivery
  • Identify and mitigate risks impacting ramp-up (capacity constraints, material availability, quality issues, logistics limitations)
  • Drive alignment between demand planning and supplier execution capabilities
  • Track and report key KPIs (production output, on-time delivery, capacity ramp, manufacturing lead times, critical issues)
  • Coordinate closely with Supplier Quality (SQA) to ensure stable and scalable processes
  • Lead escalation management with suppliers when performance deviates from plan
  • Support contract execution and ensure operational commitments are met by suppliers
  • Implement continuous improvement actions to optimize efficiency during ramp-up
  • Ensure full visibility and communication to senior management on ramp-up status, risks, and mitigation actions
  • Other duties as assigned.


WHAT YOU HAVE

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or similar)
  • Project Management certification (PMP or equivalent) is a plus
  • Minimum 7–10 years of experience in Project Management, Operations, Supply Chain, or Industrialization
  • Proven experience managing industrial ramp-ups, capacity expansion, or new supplier implementation
  • Experience in wind industry, steel structures, or heavy manufacturing strongly preferred
  • Experience managing cross-functional teams and supplier networks
  • Track record of delivering complex projects under tight timelines
  • Strong understanding of industrial ramp-up and scaling manufacturing operations
  • Solid knowledge of steel fabrication and heavy manufacturing processes (welding, rolling, coating)
  • Strong project management skills (planning, execution, risk management, stakeholder alignment)
  • Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder environments under high pressure
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage operational crises
  • Experience working with suppliers and external manufacturing partners
  • High level of ownership, accountability, and results orientation
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills
  • Ability to structure ambiguity and drive execution in fast-growth environments
  • Ability to travel domestic and international locations to project sites and on business as required with the ability to obtain a passport.
  • Driving is an essential function of the job. Must possess a full valid driver’s license and be insurable under our auto insurance policy. This position will be subject to periodic driver’s abstract checks to confirm continued insurability.
  • Ability to meet specific OSHA and ANSI weight limits of 265 lbs. or less
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical administered by a medical examiner to ensure the ability to safely perform job functions and meet the physical demands of the position
  • Driving is an essential function of the job. Must possess a full valid driver’s license and be insurable under our auto insurance policy. This position will be subject to periodic driver’s abstract checks to confirm continued insurability.

 

Nordex places the highest priority on the safe operations of its business. As such, we are seeking a candidate who is committed to maintaining and promoting safety standards at all times. The ideal candidate must:

  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to safety protocols and procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and company policies.
  • Proactively identify and mitigate potential safety hazards.
  • Properly use applicable safety equipment, including but not limited to eye protection, hearing protectors, steel-toe boots, and hard hats. Loose-fitting clothes and jewelry are not permitted.
  • Communicate effectively with team members and management to ensure a safe working environment.
  • Speak and understand English fluently to effectively communicate safety and job-related information, follow safety instructions, and collaborate with English-speaking supervisors and team members.

 

We believe our employees are our greatest assets at Nordex. In addition to the opportunity to make our world a little more sustainable we offer you a total rewards program* designed to recognize and reward the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our team members. We are proud to offer a comprehensive package that aligns with our core values of Respect, Integrity, Colleagueship, and Ownership.

Financial Benefits
 

  • Paid Time Off - Three (3) weeks accrued (120 hours)
  • Medical & Pharmacy Insurance with multiple options to best meet your needs
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with Employer Contribution
  • Flex Spending Account (FSA)
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Short-Term / Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • 401(k) with Employer Match
  • Student Debt Repayment
  • Tuition Reimbursement
     

Wellbeing, Family Planning, and Voluntary Benefits
 

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Parental Leave
  • Calm Subscription
  • Gym Membership Reimbursement
  • Accident Insurance
  • Legal Plans
  • Spot Pet Insurance
  • Auto and Home Insurance
  • And much more…
     

*Offers may vary by location and eligibility.

Equal Opportunity:
Nordex adheres to a policy of equal employment opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

DEI:
We are committed to creating an environment and culture in which Diversity and Inclusion is recognized as a true opportunity and value for the organization. We welcome you to learn more by visiting this link: Diversity & Inclusion - Nordex SE

Recruitment Fraud Notice: Please note that our People Attraction department will only contact you via official @nordex-online.com email addresses or authorized recruitment partners. You can find more information about our application process on our website. 

ABOUT THE NORDEX GROUP

The manufacture of wind energy plants in the on-shore segment has been our core competence and passion for around 40 years. With more than 57 GW installed capacity worldwide, our turbines supply sustainable energy to more than 80% of the global energy market and we are one of the largest companies in the wind industry. National subsidiaries in more than 40 markets and production facilities in Germany, Spain, Brazil, the USA, Mexico and India offer our more than 10,400 employees the opportunity for international and intercultural cooperation.

We are growing and together driving forward the expansion of alternative energies worldwide - if you wish, from now on with you. Join the #TeamNordex

We look forward to receiving your application! To make it more convenient for you, we are happy to receive your application without a cover letter.


Nearest Major Market: Chicago