Materials Project Manager
At Trane TechnologiesTM and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King®, we create innovative climate solutions for buildings, homes, and transportation that challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world. We're a team that dares to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities. We believe in a better future when we uplift others and enable our people to thrive at work and at home. We boldly go.
What’s in it for you:
Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient environments, it’s our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business. Do you dare to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities? Do you want to contribute to making a better future? If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what’s possible for a sustainable world.
The Materials Project Manager assures that new service parts, accessory kits, and aftermarket components are fully prepared for commercialization within the Trane Supply network. This role leads material readiness activities for New Product Development (NPD) programs, ensuring that service parts are positioned accurately across Supply Stores and distribution centers (DCs) to support dealers, technicians, and customers.
The manager collaborates closely with DC Material Planning, Retail planning, Engineering/PMO, Procurement, Supplier Quality, DC Operations, and Commercial teams to develop and execute strategies that support service material availability, lifecycle management, and long-term serviceability for new and transitioning products.
Thrive at work and at home:
- Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives – WE DARE TO CARE!
- Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
- 401K match up to 6%, plus an additional 2% core contribution = up to 8% company contribution.
- Paid time off, including in support of volunteer and parental leave needs.
- Educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.
- Learn more about our benefits here!
Where is the work:
From Monday to Thursday, work onsite with your colleagues. On Fridays, choose your work location, balancing what your work requires. This role may sit in our facilities located in La Crosse, Wi; St Peters, MO; Atlanta, GA; or Davidson, NC.
What you will do:
NPD Material Readiness for Service Parts
• Lead end‑to‑end material readiness for NPD service parts, ensuring timely availability for prototype builds, validation, pilots, and commercialization.
• Coordinate with project management, Procurement, Product Management, Engineering and other teams to ensure service parts requirements, BOM structures, supersessions, and lifecycle expectations are fully defined.
• Ensure stocking strategies for Trane Supply Stores and DCs align with launch timing, failure mode expectations, and aftermarket demand.
Project Leadership & Execution
• Own overall project service parts readiness progress, including timelines, milestones, risks, and mitigation actions.
• Proactively identify and manage risks, dependencies, and constraints; escalate when necessary.
• Recommend innovative solutions and drive cross‑functional alignment on service parts best practices.
Supplier & Procurement Integration
• Collaborate with Procurement to source new service parts and confirm supplier capability, readiness, and lead‑time performance.
• Coordinate supplier readiness activities such as sample procurement, qualification runs, tooling readiness, PPAP, and delivery planning.
• Monitor long‑lead items and mitigate supplier-driven risks ahead of launch.
Inventory & Network Planning for Service Parts
• Work with Inventory Planning to establish initial stocking levels based on part criticality, predicted failure rates, and anticipated demand patterns.
• Adjust replenishment strategies and stocking decisions based on early-life demand signals and network feedback.
• Manage inventory budgets for NPD service parts and drive corrective actions for deviations.
Service Parts Phase‑Out & Lifecycle Transition Management
• Lead phase‑out planning for legacy or superseded service parts as part of NPD transitions, ensuring smooth lifecycle shifts.
• Collaborate with material Planning, Product Management, and Engineering to determine phase‑out timing, depletion strategies, and risk mitigation for obsolete or slow‑moving items.
• Communicate phase‑out plans to Supply Stores, DCs, and Commercial teams to minimize customer impact and service interruptions.
• Prevent excess inventory buildup or OSMI exposure during product transitions through proactive planning and network alignment.
Operational Integration & Launch Support
• Partner with DC Operations and Supply Stores to ensure readiness for receiving, slotting, labeling, and fulfillment of new service parts.
• Align logistics and transportation planning with NPD launch timing and replenishment requirements.
• Support training, field communications, and launch documentation for successful aftermarket adoption.
Tracking, Reporting & Communication
• Maintain NPD material dashboards, trackers, readiness reports, and risk logs.
• Provide regular, structured updates to management and Trane Supply leadership.
• Communicate risks, decisions, and corrective actions clearly using data-driven insights.
Continuous Improvement
• Lead initiatives that improve service parts lifecycle planning, network readiness, and material flow.
• Support digital tool enhancements that improve visibility into supplier status, inventory readiness, and launch performance.
• Document and maintain standard work for NPD materials readiness processes across Trane Supply.
What you will bring:
Required
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Material Planning, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in materials management, procurement, operations, or project management.
• Understanding of the Trane Supply business model or aftermarket service parts environment.
• Demonstrated history of delivering projects on time, within budget, and aligned with stakeholder objectives.
• Strong leadership and decision‑making skills with the initiative and ability to influence and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with proven ability to build strong cross‑functional relationships.
• Proven capacity to manage risks, resolve conflicts, and operate independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven mindset.
Preferred
• Master’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience launching service parts or supporting NPD/NPI in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Knowledge of Lean principles, A3 methodology, or continuous improvement frameworks.
• Project Management certification (PMP, Agile) or ASCM/APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP).
Compensation:
Base Pay Range: $88,500-$100,000/annually
Disclaimer: We strive to provide competitive compensation for this position, tailored to a variety of factors. The actual compensation will depend on elements such as seniority, merit, geographic location, education, experience, travel requirements, and union designation. Our compensation range is generally based on the national average for the country. Additionally, benefits may vary depending on the region, business alignment, union involvement, and employee status.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs. We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.