Design Project Manager
Norstar Industries Ltd.
Rosenort, MB | Full-Time

Norstar Industries Ltd. is a family-owned manufacturer of grain handling equipment and industrial material handling solutions. Based near Rosenort, Manitoba, we design and manufacture innovative products that serve customers across North America and beyond.

We're looking for an experienced Design Project Manager to lead and coordinate our design and drafting team while managing the priorities, timelines, and workflow behind the drawings and Bills of Materials that support our manufacturing operation.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can manage multiple priorities, support a team, and keep design projects moving from assignment through completion.

What You'll Do

Working closely with the Director of Design, you will oversee the coordination, progress, and quality of design projects.

Manage Projects & Timelines

• Receive project priorities and direction from the Director of Design.
• Assign design and drafting projects based on team workload, priorities, and deadlines.
• Establish clear milestones, timelines, and due dates for drawings and Bills of Materials.
• Track project progress and identify potential delays or challenges.
• Conduct regular progress reviews and provide updates to the Director of Design.
• Help ensure drawings and BOMs are completed accurately and on schedule.

Lead & Support the Design Team

• Conduct regular check-ins to monitor workload, provide support, and resolve issues.
• Provide hands-on design guidance, technical support, and constructive feedback.
• Mentor team members and support their professional development.
• Conduct performance reviews for drafting staff.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding new team members.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and effective communication within the team.

Coordinate & Maintain Quality

• Work with Sales, Production, and leadership to maintain alignment on project priorities, timelines, and feasibility.
• Assist with project meetings and communicate changes or issues that may affect completion.
• Support the development and maintenance of design protocols and documentation standards.
• Conduct design reviews to help ensure work meets quality, functionality, and manufacturability standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows and project coordination.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience managing or supervising a design or drafting team is required.
• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Experience with 3D CAD design and Autodesk Inventor is a strong asset. AutoCAD experience alone is not sufficient for this role.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in manufacturing and design is an asset.
• Understanding of basic manufacturing principles.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Autodesk Inventor.
• Completion of a Mechanical Technology program is an asset but not required.
• Experience with grain handling equipment is an asset.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in a busy environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multiple departments.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means becoming a trusted leader who keeps Norstar's design projects organized and moving forward.

You will:

• Establish clear priorities, milestones, and timelines for design projects.
• Ensure drawings and Bills of Materials are completed accurately and within established timelines.
• Maintain visibility into project progress and proactively address issues that could affect deadlines.
• Build a collaborative and accountable design team.
• Provide meaningful guidance and support that helps team members develop their skills.
• Improve communication between Design, Sales, Production, and Leadership.
• Maintain Norstar's design and documentation standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows and reduce inefficiencies.

Why Join Norstar?

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Full-time, permanent career opportunity
• Stable, family-owned company
• Opportunity to lead and develop a growing design team
• Collaborative leadership environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

At Norstar, we're proud to build products that help feed the world. We believe exceptional products start with exceptional people, and we're committed to creating an environment where our employees can grow, contribute, and succeed together.

Apply today and help lead the people, projects, and processes behind Norstar's innovative products.