Overview
Project Manager Jobs in Westminster, CA at Vanspeed
Title: Project Manager
Company: Vanspeed
Location: Westminster, CA
Project Manager
Vanspeed / The Van Mart • Full-time • On-site
About Us
Vanspeed (The Van Mart) is a leading manufacturer of custom van conversions, producing 100+ adventure-ready vehicles each year for clients across the country. Our team of ~30 craftspeople — carpenters, upholsterers, installers, electricians — is supported by an in-house engineering staff and led by experienced department managers. We are committed to delivering innovative, high-quality builds that meet the needs of our clients and exceed their expectations.
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Project Manager to join our team and lead the successful delivery of our build pipeline.
Job Overview
As the Project Manager, you will own the office-side execution of every vehicle in our build pipeline. You will manage multiple builds simultaneously from order intake through delivery and post-delivery support, working closely with cross-functional teams — Engineering, Production, Install, Carpentry, Upholstery, and Quality Control — to ensure that every project is completed on time, on budget, and to the satisfaction of our clients.
You will also own our procurement function: sourcing and ordering all parts and materials, managing our vendor and supplier relationships, and ensuring that the floor is never blocked waiting on materials. You will identify and mitigate risks, monitor project progress, manage customer communication during and after the build, and ensure that all project documentation is complete and up-to-date.
This is a hands-on, in-person role at our facility. You will be in the shop and in the office every day.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Production Management
- Develop and manage build plans, production schedules, and budgets for every vehicle in the pipeline
- Sequence and track each build through its full lifecycle — chassis prep, install, carpentry, upholstery, electrical, QC, and delivery
- Coordinate project activities across cross-functional teams using project management and ERP software
- Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies; flag schedule slips before they become surprises
- Monitor project progress and provide regular updates to senior management and ownership
- Lead daily production stand-ups and facilitate communication between department managers
- Ensure project resources are allocated effectively across competing builds
Procurement & Vendor Management
- Order all parts and materials for every build, from chassis-up components through last-mile finish items
- Maintain master BOMs for each build configuration; reconcile against engineering change notices before they hit the floor
- Own relationships with our supplier base — negotiate lead times, resolve back-orders, and source alternates when needed
- Maintain inventory accuracy; flag shortages proactively and run cycle counts on critical items
- Work with external vendors and suppliers as needed to ensure on-time delivery of materials
Delivery & Post-Delivery
- Own the customer delivery calendar; schedule pickups and coordinate logistics for out-of-state hand-offs
- Manage customer communication during the build — status updates, change orders, expectation management
- Oversee post-delivery support, including warranty claims and punch-list follow-up coordination
Documentation, Quality & Improvement
- Manage project documentation, including build plans, change requests, status reports, and BOMs
- Ensure that build deliverables meet quality standards and customer requirements
- Track budget and timeline performance across all active projects
- Identify areas for process improvement and implement changes as appropriate
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field — or equivalent experience
- 5+ years of project management experience in a manufacturing environment (small-batch, high-mix preferred: van conversion, RV, marine, custom auto, aerospace fab, custom millwork)
- Demonstrated procurement experience — you have personally placed POs, chased back-orders, qualified vendors, and managed a supplier base
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written — comfortable with vendors, customers, and shop-floor team in the same hour
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously without dropping balls
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency with project management software, ERP/MRP, and inventory tools
- BOM and work-order discipline — can read engineering drawings, spec sheets, and revision-controlled BOMs without hand-holding
- Local to (or willing to relocate to) our facility — this is an on-site role
Preferred
- Background in manufacturing, construction, coachbuilding, custom automotive, marine, or similar small-batch vehicle manufacturing
- Experience with Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies
- Experience standing up or improving an ERP / inventory system
- Customer-facing project management experience on high-touch or luxury builds
- Familiarity with DOT, FMVSS, or NHTSA requirements as they apply to upfitted vehicles
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience
- Medical, Dental, and vacation benefits
- Use of company campervans to get outside!
- Real ownership — you run the office side of production end-to-end, with no layers between you and the work
- A team that respects the craft, a product customers are passionate about, and clear runway for career advancement as the company grows
How to Apply
If you are a results-driven individual with a passion for project management and a proven track record in a manufacturing environment, we encourage you to apply.
Send a resume and a short note — three or four sentences — telling us about the most complex build, project, or production environment you have personally run.
Vanspeed is an equal opportunity employer. We hire on capability, character, and fit.
