Sr. Project Manager - PLM, Product Lifecycle Management

Job Title: Sr. Project Manager (PLM)

Job Type: Contract-to-hire

Worksite Location: Fort Worth, TX

Worksite Schedule: Onsite in Fort Worth, TX - working a 9/80 schedule, being off every other Friday

Client Industry: Complex Manufacturing

Salary Conversion: $130,000 - $145,000 +, based on experience

Hourly Pay Rate: $60.00 - $75.00 / hour, W2

Vaco is seeking an experienced Sr. Project Manager with prior experience guiding complex product lifecycle initiatives with PLM - Product Lifecycle Management, across enterprise-level organizations, for a cutting-edge client in the complex manufacturing industry. This will be a contract-to-hire employment opportunity based in Fort Worth, TX. Candidates must currently be local to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and willing to work onsite, as our client is unable to offer relocation assistance at this time. Candidates must also be legally eligible to work in the United States, as our client is unable to sponsor at this time.

Vaco is not seeking third-party support to fill this opportunity.

Job Description:

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager with deep expertise in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) to lead strategic initiatives that support product development and lifecycle optimization across the enterprise. The successful candidate will bring extensive project management experience, ideally within manufacturing or engineering-driven environments, and will serve as the critical bridge between business stakeholders and external development teams.
This role will focus on optimizing and integrating processes across product design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain, leveraging the capabilities of PLM to streamline operations and accelerate time to market.

Job Scope:

• Lead cross-functional project teams to implement and enhance PLM solutions aligned with business goals.


• Ensure effective project governance, timely issue resolution, and stakeholder alignment throughout the project lifecycle.


• Act as the primary liaison between internal business units and external development vendors.


• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and IT teams to ensure PLM supports end-to-end product lifecycle needs.


• Drive critical conversations about system integration, process changes, and PLM adoption across departments.


• Deliver high-impact executive presentations, status updates, and strategic recommendations.


• Oversee change management and business process optimization initiatives tied to PLM.


• Identify and mitigate risks while maintaining project timelines, scope, and budget.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of project management experience, with significant exposure to PLM Product Lifecycle Management systems.


• Background in manufacturing, product development, engineering, or related industries strongly preferred.


• Proven experience leading enterprise-wide software projects involving cross-functional stakeholders.


• Strong understanding of end-to-end product lifecycle processes, from concept to end-of-life.


• Experience with business process engineering and user adoption strategies.


• Excellent executive communication and presentation skills.


• Ability to manage external vendors and ensure delivery aligns with business needs.


• Demonstrated success in driving change and facilitating process improvements.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with digital thread concepts and integration of PLM with downstream systems (e.g., ERP, MES - Manufacturing Execution System).


• Prior experience working with Dassault PLM Systems

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan.