Description
Position Summary:
Ahlstrom is seeking a strategic and experienced Project Manager to lead critical initiatives at our Windsor Locks, CT manufacturing facility. Reporting directly to the Vice President of the Medical Business Unit, this position will oversee major projects that will significantly influence the future footprint, workforce structure, and operational direction of the site.
This role requires exceptional leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to work closely with both internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies and labor representatives.
Primary Responsibilities:
Plan, execute, and manage complex, high-impact projects across multiple departments and stakeholder groups.
Coordinate with external entities, including state and federal transportation agencies, to ensure successful infrastructure planning and execution.
Collaborate with HR and operational leadership to manage employee transition activities with a focus on transparency, continuity, and workforce retention.
Support labor strategy development and facilitate internal readiness for collective bargaining and union engagement.
Monitor project milestones, budgets, and risks, providing regular status reports to executive leadership.
Apply change management principles to ensure smooth project implementation and stakeholder alignment.
Drive a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement throughout all phases of project work.
Key Projects Include:
Rail Line Development: Partnering with Amtrak and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) on the planning and development of a new rail line to support logistics optimization and long-term site infrastructure growth.
Employee Transition to Suominen: Leading the planning and execution of a strategic employee transition from Ahlstrom to Suominen. This transition is designed to preserve existing jobs, maintain employee benefits, and retain institutional knowledge, ensuring business continuity and supporting the long-term success of the Windsor Locks site.
Union Negotiation Planning: Establishing the strategic and operational foundation for upcoming union negotiations between Ahlstrom and the United Steelworkers Union, including early-stage preparation, internal alignment, and quantifying risk mitigation.
Why Join Ahlstrom?
At Ahlstrom, we develop sustainable, fiber-based materials that make a difference across healthcare and industrial applications. In this role, you will help shape the next chapter of our Windsor Locks facility by leading initiatives critical to our operational success and long-term vision. You'll have the opportunity to preserve and build upon a strong workforce, improve infrastructure, and support strategic labor relationships — all while being part of a global leader in materials innovation.
Ahlstrom is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or a related field (Master’s or PMP certification preferred).
- 5–7+ years of project management experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
- Proven success managing large, multi-stakeholder projects with operational, workforce, and infrastructure components.
- Experience in employee transitions, change management, or labor relations strongly preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
- Experience engaging with government entities or public agencies is a plus.
- Knowledge of unionized work environments, especially in manufacturing, is beneficial.
