Project Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Design Manager

Company: Varex Imaging Corporation

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Job Type: Full-Time, Regular

Category: Project Management / Product Development Operations

Date Posted: January 13, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ years of related experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manages the end-to-end lifecycle of product and service development initiatives, ensuring successful project execution from initiation to delivery.

• Drives the coordination of cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration to deliver new or upgraded products within defined timelines and budgetary constraints.

• Oversees project planning, scheduling, and budget monitoring to ensure projects remain on track and within financial parameters.

• Implements and optimizes project management methodologies to enhance efficiency and ensure the successful launch of innovative imaging solutions.

• Utilizes a strong understanding of business tools and ERP systems to manage project workflows and data effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is defined as a "Project Design Manager" with responsibilities focused on the development and implementation of products and services. This strongly indicates a role within Product Operations or GTM Operations, specifically focused on bringing new products to market and managing their lifecycle. The emphasis on cross-functional coordination, budget, and schedule management aligns with core Project Management functions within an operational context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full project lifecycle for new product development and service implementation initiatives, from conception through to successful launch and post-launch monitoring.

• Coordinate and facilitate communication among cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Product Management, Marketing, Sales, and Operations, to ensure alignment and timely execution of project deliverables.

• Develop, maintain, and track detailed project plans, including scope, timelines, milestones, resource allocation, and critical path analysis.

• Monitor and control project budgets, expenditures, and resource utilization, proactively identifying and mitigating financial risks and overruns.

• Ensure all projects are delivered on schedule and within budget by implementing robust project management processes and continuous monitoring.

• Identify, assess, and manage project risks and issues, developing and executing mitigation strategies to minimize impact on project objectives.

• Facilitate regular project status meetings, providing clear and concise updates to stakeholders, senior management, and project teams.

• Drive process improvements within the product development lifecycle to enhance efficiency, reduce time-to-market, and improve overall product quality.

• Ensure adherence to company standards, quality guidelines, and regulatory requirements throughout the product development and implementation phases.

• Manage vendor relationships and external partnerships as required for project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are inferred from the "Summary" and "Job Description" sections, focusing on the managerial aspects of product development and implementation. The emphasis on process, budget, schedule, and cross-functional teams is standard for a Project Management role within a product-centric organization. The role's title, "Project Design Manager," suggests a strong connection to the product design phase and its transition into operational readiness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in project management, product development, or a related operational role.

Required Skills:

• Project Management: Demonstrated expertise in project planning, execution, monitoring, and closing, utilizing formal project management methodologies (e.g., Waterfall, Agile, Hybrid).

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Ability to lead, influence, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams across various departments (e.g., Engineering, R&D, Marketing, Operations, Sales).

• Budget Management & Financial Acumen: Strong skills in developing, monitoring, and controlling project budgets, including forecasting and variance analysis.

• Scheduling & Time Management: Proficiency in creating and managing project schedules, identifying critical paths, and ensuring timely delivery of milestones.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues proactively.

• Business Tools Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in essential business software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex information clearly to various stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• ERP System Experience: Experience with SAP or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is highly desired for managing operational workflows and data.

• Product Development Lifecycle: In-depth understanding of the product development lifecycle, from ideation and design to manufacturing and market launch.

• Process Optimization: Experience in identifying bottlenecks and implementing process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and product delivery.

• Change Management: Familiarity with change management principles to effectively guide teams through product transitions.

• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the medical imaging or technology manufacturing industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Experience Level with Business Tools" and "Education and Experience" sections directly inform the required and preferred skills. The requirement for SAP or equivalent ERP experience is a key differentiator for operational roles. The 7+ years of experience suggests a mid-to-senior level position requiring significant project leadership and operational understanding.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant projects managed, detailing scope, objectives, methodologies used, team structure, challenges faced, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Process Improvement Examples: Provide documented examples of process improvements implemented within project lifecycles that led to measurable gains in efficiency, cost reduction, or quality enhancement.

• Budget Management Artifacts: Samples (redacted if necessary) of project budget plans, tracking spreadsheets, and variance reports demonstrating fiscal responsibility.

• Schedule Management Artifacts: Examples of project schedules (e.g., Gantt charts), milestone tracking documents, and reports illustrating adherence to timelines.

• Risk & Issue Logs: Demonstrations of how risks and issues were identified, logged, and managed through to resolution.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing or utilizing standardized project documentation templates for charters, status reports, and post-project reviews.

• Experience in creating and maintaining process workflows for product development and implementation phases, ensuring clarity and consistency.

• Ability to document and communicate best practices for project execution, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Project Design Manager role, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of project management principles and process optimization is crucial. The emphasis is on showcasing tangible results and the candidate's ability to manage complex operational processes within product development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Financial Wellness: Competitive Salary, 401K match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO), 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, Flexible Schedules, Variety of Shift Options.

• Disability & Life Insurance: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance.

• Professional Development: Tuition Reimbursement, Career Advancement Opportunities.

• Employee Perks: Free Safety Shoes, Employee Referral Program, Employee Discounts, EV Charging Stations, Free Coffee and Soda.

• On-site Amenities: Cafeteria, Company Nurse, Credit Union, and Gym.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. Flexible scheduling options may be available depending on project needs and team coordination, as indicated by "Flexible Schedules" and "Variety of Shift Options" in the benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for similar roles in the specified location and industry. The provided benefits are directly extracted from the job description. "Flexible Schedules" and "Variety of Shift Options" are noted as potential indicators of flexibility within the 40-hour work week.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Medical Imaging Technology / Manufacturing

Company Size: Varex Imaging Corporation is a significant player in the medical imaging market, likely employing several hundred to a few thousand individuals globally, indicating a mid-to-large enterprise environment. This size suggests established processes and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Varex Imaging was established in 2015, spinning off from Varian Medical Systems. This relatively recent founding, yet with deep roots in imaging technology, suggests a company balancing established expertise with a forward-looking, innovative approach.

Team Structure:

• The Project Design Manager will likely be part of an Engineering, Product Development, or Operations department.

• The role involves significant interaction with cross-functional teams, implying a matrixed or collaborative reporting structure where the manager influences without direct authority over all team members.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Varex Imaging, as a technology company, likely emphasizes data analysis for product performance, market trends, and project efficiency.

• Process Optimization: The manufacturing and product development context necessitates a strong focus on optimizing workflows, reducing cycle times, and ensuring quality control.

• Innovation & Collaboration: The company's focus on developing advanced imaging solutions implies a culture that values innovation, R&D, and collaborative problem-solving across departments.

Company Website: https://www.vareximaging.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company information, including founding date and industry, is derived from general knowledge about Varex Imaging. The interpretation of company size and its implications for team structure and methodology is based on industry standards for companies in the medical technology sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level. It requires substantial experience in managing projects and a foundational understanding of product development and operational processes. It's a key role in bringing new technologies to market effectively.

Reporting Structure: The Project Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader such as a Director of Engineering, Director of Product Development, or VP of Operations. They will collaborate closely with product managers, engineering leads, manufacturing supervisors, and sales/marketing teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on Varex Imaging's ability to innovate and bring new products to market. Successful project execution leads to increased revenue, market share, and customer satisfaction, fundamentally driving the company's growth and competitive position in the medical imaging industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into senior program management, director-level roles, or specialized product management positions.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific imaging technologies or manufacturing processes.

• Strategic Initiatives: Involvement in higher-level strategic planning for product roadmaps and operational improvements.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior project managers and team members, developing leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career path and growth opportunities are inferred based on the "Project Design Manager" title, the required experience level, and the typical progression within technology and manufacturing companies. The emphasis is on how this role contributes to the broader operational and strategic goals of Varex Imaging.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is designated as "On-site." This suggests a traditional office environment within Varex Imaging's facilities.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Salt Lake City, Utah. Specific details about office layout and facilities are not provided but are likely integrated within a larger corporate or manufacturing campus.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Given the need for cross-functional coordination, the workspace likely supports team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative project work.

• Technology Infrastructure: Access to necessary project management software, communication tools, and potentially design/engineering software will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with colleagues from various departments is expected, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time (40 hours/week) and classified as "Regular." While designated "On-site," the benefit of "Flexible Schedules" and "Variety of Shift Options" suggests some degree of adaptability in daily work hours, provided project demands are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation and the Salt Lake City location are directly from the job data. The description of the workspace and interaction is a professional inference based on the role's collaborative nature and the company's industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Hiring Manager focusing on project management experience, leadership style, and understanding of product development cycles. Expect behavioral questions related to past project successes and challenges.

• Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Engineering, Product Management, Operations, and potentially Sales/Marketing to assess collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across departments.

• Technical/Case Study Assessment: May involve a presentation of a past project (portfolio review) or a hypothetical project scenario to assess problem-solving, strategic thinking, and process design capabilities.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Director/VP) for final approval and discussion of strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project in your portfolio, clearly state the impact using metrics (e.g., reduced time-to-market by X%, managed budget of $Y, improved product quality by Z%).

• Highlight Process: Detail the project management methodologies and processes you employed, explaining why they were suitable for that specific project.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Showcase how you identified and resolved critical issues or managed risks effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Tailor to Varex: Research Varex Imaging's products and recent news. Frame your experience in a way that aligns with their market and technological focus. Emphasize any experience in medical imaging or related manufacturing.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly articulates your contributions and results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Project Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical project design and implementation scenario, considering resource constraints, stakeholder management, and risk assessment.

• Process Improvement Ideas: Think about common challenges in product development and how you would propose solutions to improve efficiency, quality, or speed.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with project management tools, ERP systems (especially SAP), and standard business software.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines a typical interview process for a Project Management role in a technology company. The portfolio and challenge preparation advice is tailored to highlight the operational and process-oriented aspects of the "Project Design Manager" role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, Jira, or similar platforms for task management, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• ERP Systems: Experience with SAP or comparable ERP systems is highly desired for managing integrated business processes, supply chain, and financial data related to product development and manufacturing.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom for team communication and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced skills for data analysis, budget tracking, performance reporting, and creating custom dashboards.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar for data visualization and reporting on project KPIs.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): Understanding how product development impacts sales pipelines and customer management.

• Data Management Tools: Ability to work with databases and ensure data integrity for project-related information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Experience Level with Business Tools" section directly informs the inclusion of Microsoft Office Suite. The explicit mention of SAP or equivalent ERP product points to the need for experience with such systems. General project management and collaboration tools are inferred as standard requirements for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Optimization: A strong focus on streamlining processes, reducing waste, and achieving operational excellence in product development and delivery.

• Data-Driven: Decisions are informed by data and metrics, emphasizing objective analysis and performance tracking.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A culture that encourages open communication and cross-functional partnership to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Valuing new ideas and a commitment to ongoing enhancement of products and processes.

• Customer Focus: A dedication to understanding and meeting customer needs through high-quality products and reliable delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Open and transparent communication across all levels and departments.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Working closely with diverse teams to ensure alignment and shared ownership of project outcomes.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment where feedback is welcomed and used for continuous improvement of both individuals and processes.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: A collective approach to identifying and resolving challenges efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Team Culture & Values" are inferred based on Varex Imaging's industry (medical imaging, technology manufacturing), the role's emphasis on project management and process optimization, and general corporate values often found in such organizations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Managing multiple projects simultaneously with varying deadlines, resource demands, and stakeholder expectations.

• Navigating Cross-Functional Dependencies: Ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment across departments that may have different priorities or working styles.

• Managing Scope Creep: Effectively controlling project scope to prevent uncontrolled expansion that could impact timelines and budgets.

• Adapting to Technological Advancements: Staying abreast of evolving technologies in medical imaging and project management tools to maintain efficiency and innovation.

• Driving Change Adoption: Encouraging teams to adopt new processes, tools, or methodologies effectively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or Agile certifications.

• Industry-Specific Training: Access to training related to medical imaging technology, manufacturing processes, or regulatory compliance.

• Leadership Development Programs: Internal or external programs focused on enhancing leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills.

• Exposure to Strategic Initiatives: Involvement in high-level product roadmap planning and business strategy discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are professional inferences based on the role's responsibilities, required experience, and the typical complexities of project management within a technology manufacturing environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex product development project you managed from initiation to launch. What were the key phases, challenges, and outcomes?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and results.)

• "How do you ensure effective communication and alignment among cross-functional teams with diverse priorities?" (Highlight your collaboration and stakeholder management strategies.)

• "Walk me through your approach to managing a project budget, including how you identify and mitigate financial risks." (Demonstrate your financial acumen and proactive risk management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Varex Imaging and our role in the medical imaging industry?" (Research Varex's mission, products, and recent news.)

• "How do you approach fostering a collaborative and innovative environment within your project teams?" (Align your answer with Varex's likely culture of innovation and teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the problem, your role, the methodology, the solution, and the quantifiable results.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the "so what?" for each project. What was the business impact? Did it increase revenue, reduce costs, improve efficiency, or enhance customer satisfaction?

• Showcase Process Mastery: Be prepared to discuss the specific project management tools, techniques, and processes you utilized. If you used SAP or similar ERPs, highlight that.

• Concise Storytelling: Practice presenting your key projects concisely, being ready to dive deeper into specifics if asked. Aim for 5-10 minutes per project presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation questions are crafted to probe the core competencies required for a Project Design Manager, emphasizing project execution, cross-functional collaboration, financial management, and problem-solving within a product development context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Create an Account & Apply: Visit the Varex Imaging careers portal and create an account to submit your application. Follow the prompts to complete the application form.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your 7+ years of project management experience, specific achievements in product development/implementation, proficiency with business tools (especially ERP systems like SAP), and any relevant industry experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather 2-3 strong project case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects, optimize processes, and achieve measurable results. Be ready to discuss your role and impact using the STAR method.

• Research Varex Imaging: Familiarize yourself with Varex's products, market position, and company values. Understand their contribution to the medical imaging industry to better articulate your interest and fit.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common project management and behavioral interview questions, focusing on showcasing your leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.