Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Tools Methodologies
Industry Experience
Education Certification
Demonstrated Skills And Accountabilities
Chronological Experience
Project Roles
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Tara Nienaber

Tara Nienaber

Shoreview,MN

Summary

Accomplished, purposeful, extroverted, and enthusiastic Project Manager with a proven track record of successfully directing a wide range of projects, from small to large-scale. Skilled in managing up to thirty-five projects simultaneously. Excels at meeting tight deadlines and adhering to budget constraints. Strong focus on effective communication and collaboration. Consistently delivers high-quality results while fostering strong relationships with stakeholders.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Project Manager

Accelera by Cummins
12.2023 - Current
  • Manage large projects for manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of multiple HyLYZER machines for the largest Hydrogen installation in the United States
  • Develop processes for PMO of a startup division of Cummins, Inc
  • Facilitate clear communication to ensure the team and stakeholders are on track and informed
  • Relationship management with demanding stakeholders
  • Create an environment where the team can exchange ideas and plan
  • Predict potential problems, brainstorm solutions, and develop alternatives
  • Continuous risk management to develop action plans without hampering project objectives
  • Negotiate terms with stakeholders, clients, or vendors
  • Evaluate problems from multiple angles and make informed decisions
  • Weekly progress reports to customers and Accelera management
  • Frequent project site visits to monitor progress and meet with the customer and commissioning team
  • Excellent time management: Hybrid position - 60% work from home and 40% at the office
  • Ability to meet project deadlines and communicate effectively with a global team
  • Represented PMO at a large sales event and delivered a presentation for expectations to expect from their PM throughout the course of a project

Program Manager

Kurt Manufacturing
06.2021 - 12.2023
  • Organized and managed a large program of approximately 100-200 parts for a client in the Semi-conductor industry
  • Budgeting
  • Create long term program goals
  • Manage Risks
  • Communicate across design team, procurement, quality team and fabrication departments
  • Create framework and processes to guide the program
  • Main point of contact for multiple Customer contacts
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
  • Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
  • Conducted comprehensive program evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and recommending actionable solutions.
  • Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
  • Coached team members on professional development opportunities, contributing to improved overall performance.
  • Improved program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving solutions.
  • Enhanced project visibility with regular status updates, leading to increased stakeholder engagement.
  • Increased customer satisfaction through effective communication of program goals and expectations.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.

Project Manager

Johnson Screens
06.2019 - 05.2021
  • Lead and Managed 10 to 15 Large-Scale Screen Fabrication Projects Simultaneously Refineries for the Oil and Gas Sector
  • Project Scheduling
  • Financial Reporting
  • Facilitate Kick off and start up Meetings
  • Collaborate with design team, procurement, quality team and fabrication departments
  • Analytical problem solver
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
  • Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
  • Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
  • Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
  • Delivered exceptional customer satisfaction by proactively addressing client concerns and meeting or exceeding expectations throughout the engagement process.
  • Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
  • Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.
  • Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
  • Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
  • Managed projects from procurement to commission.
  • Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
  • Effectively managed scope creep by establishing clear boundaries on requested changes while keeping projects aligned with original objectives and budgets.
  • Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to optimize project outcomes while maintaining cost effectiveness .
  • Mentored junior team members in project management best practices to enhance their skills and contribute to better overall performance.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.

Director of Project Management

BellPro Architectural
01.2018 - 05.2019
  • Supervised a team of approximately 6 to 12 Project Managers and Drafters
  • Simultaneously Led and Managed 15 to 25 Fabrication Projects valued from $15,000 to $5,000,000 each
  • Project Scheduling
  • JobBOSS software implementation lead
  • Material Procurement
  • Coached team members for improved performance through constructive feedback, skill development opportunities, and ongoing support.
  • Managed vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of services while negotiating favorable contract terms that supported budgetary requirements.
  • Championed innovation initiatives within organization leading implementation of cutting-edge project management tools or techniques.
  • Coordinated multiple high-profile projects simultaneously, successfully navigating competing interests and ensuring timely completion with minimal disruption to daily operations.

Project Manager

MGS
01.2015 - 01.2018
  • Led and Managed approximately 25 to 45 Manufacturing Projects for the Packaging Equipment Sector Simultaneously
  • Developing New Business Processes
  • Implementing Operational and Manufacturing Improvements
  • Possess Meticulous Critical Thinking Skills That Focus on Collaboration and Root-cause Analysis
  • Collaborate with marketing, sales, sourcing, production, and finance teams to meet company objectives
  • Improve Efficiency and Increase Profitability
  • Team Building
  • Budget Management
  • Project Scope Design
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Ability to react quickly to provide solutions for internal and external customers
  • Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
  • Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
  • Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives.

Drafting Supervisor

Firestone Building Products
01.2012 - 01.2015

Supervised a Submittal Drafting Department of approximately 25 To 40 Staff

  • Scheduling Workload of Staff
  • Bridge the Gap Between Submittal Drafting, Project Management, Estimating and Sales
  • Interviewing Potential Staff Members
  • Upper Management Support
  • Staff Development and Training
  • Quality Control Checks
  • Creation and Organization of Department SOP's
  • Creating Purchase Requisitions
  • Excellent Team Building and Leadership Skills
  • Member of the Social Events Committee
  • Facilitated communication between the drafting team and other stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding of project requirements and expectations.
  • Managed outsourcing relationships with external vendors, resulting in cost savings without compromising on quality or delivery timelines.
  • Ensured compliance with industry standards and regulations by staying current with the latest developments in the field of drafting.
  • Enhanced drafting efficiency by implementing advanced software tools and streamlined processes.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and updating drafting procedures and best practices.
  • Checked drawing plots versus project input for correctness and conformance to standards.
  • Reviewed project specifications regularly, identifying potential discrepancies before they impacted design deliverables or schedules.
  • Increased project completion rates by effectively managing drafting team resources and workloads.
  • Optimized design revisions process to reduce turnaround time and minimize project delays.
  • Mentored junior drafters, fostering professional growth and improving overall team performance.
  • Implemented an effective document management system to organize drawings efficiently, enabling easy access for all team members.
  • Reduced errors in final drawings by implementing thorough quality control checks at multiple stages of the drafting process.
  • Assisted in hiring decisions for new drafters as well as promotions or role changes within the drafting team.
  • Increased client satisfaction by proactively addressing concerns regarding designs, revisions, or timelines during the drafting stage.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations for drafters, providing constructive feedback to foster professional development.
  • Used computer-aided design software to prepare blueprints and schematics.
  • Consulted with project managers, design consultants and sub-contractors to produce and alter drawings.
  • Supported project team in design process to update details of each project.
  • Consulted with architects, customers and vendors regarding project scope and milestone dates.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
  • Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.

Senior Project Designer

Lampert Architects
01.1998 - 01.2012
  • Senior Project Designer Responsible for the Design and Management of 20 to 35 Projects Simultaneously
  • Coordinate Team of Drafters to Accomplish Project Deadlines
  • Point of Contact for Clients, Contractors and /Subcontractors
  • Formulated and Amended Preliminary Drawings and Contract Documents Using AutoCAD
  • Checked Drawings for Quality Control
  • Enhanced Communications Between Staff and Design Team
  • Met with Prospective Clients and Prepared Proposals for Commercial, Residential, Manufacturing, Financial and Religious Projects
  • Prepared Invoices
  • Supervision of Office Personnel
  • Mentoring of New Employees
  • Scheduling Workload of Staff to Meet Project Deadlines
  • Facilitate Meetings During Project Design
  • Interview Prospective Employees / Provide Support for the Hiring Process
  • Oversaw Marketing Activities for Obtaining Tenant Improvement Projects
  • Assembled Proposals for Government Contracts
  • Provided status updates for projects, delivering information to all stakeholders.
  • Delivered outstanding service to clients to not only maintain but to extend relationship for future business opportunities.
  • Developed detailed design drawings and specifications using computer-aided drafting software.
  • Optimized material selection for enhanced durability, aesthetics, and cost effectiveness.
  • Coordinated with contractors to ensure accurate implementation of design elements during construction phases.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, materials, and technologies for informed decision-making in project development.
  • Enhanced project designs by incorporating innovative techniques and materials.
  • Contributed to business growth by cultivating strong working relationships with clients, suppliers, vendors, partners, consultants.
  • Participated in client meetings to gather requirements and establish clear project expectations.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and professionally throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Collaborated with architects and engineers to develop cohesive, functional design solutions.
  • Mentored junior designers in best practices for efficient and effective project development.
  • Resolved complex design challenges through creative problem-solving techniques.
  • Presented design proposals to clients, effectively communicating features and benefits of proposed solutions.
  • Reviewed building codes to ensure full compliance within project designs.
  • Conducted site visits to monitor construction progress and ensure compliance with design plans.
  • Provided technical support for engineering projects to support accuracy and deadline management.
  • Reviewed technical drawings developed by CAD technicians and drafters.
  • Read and interpreted blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
  • Updated designs with latest feedback from customers.
  • Incorporated text comments and instructions to finalize drawings and guide installers or production staff.
  • Supervised and trained other drafters, technologists and technicians.
  • Conferred with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.

Lead Drafter

Ibberson Engineering
01.1992 - 01.1998
  • Drafting Using AutoCAD for Industrial Projects
  • Layout Buildings, Concrete Reinforcing, Equipment, Ducting, Piping and Structural Supports
  • Lead Drafter - Monitoring Drafters, Checking Drawings, Coordinating Project Correspondence, Issuing Drawings, maintaining stick sets, and drawing Lists
  • Pre-contracts Drafting - Preparing Proposal Drawings and Estimating
  • Managed Company Computer Software Check-in and Check Out Program
  • Maintained Engineering Vendor Catalog Library
  • Member of Employee Wellness Committee Contributing to the Health and Wellbeing of teammates

Education

Master of Science - Management and Leadership - Project Management

Purdue Global
West Lafayette, IN

Bachelor of Science Degree - Technology Management

Herzing University
Crystal, MN

Associates of Applied Science - Architectural Drafting and Estimating

Dunwoody College of Technology
Minneapolis, MN

Skills

  • Accomplished team builder
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Adept problem solver
  • Proven leadership abilities
  • Proficient multitasker
  • Avid challenge seeker
  • Identifies continuous improvement opportunities
  • Stakeholder focused
  • Collaborative communicator
  • Strong conflict resolution skills
  • Leadership coaching
  • Scope management
  • Project planning
  • Client relationship management
  • Project plan development
  • Cross-functional communication
  • Client relations
  • Training and mentoring
  • Project management
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Cross-functional coordination
  • Team leadership
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Relationship building
  • Documentation and reporting

Tools Methodologies

  • MS Office
  • MS Project
  • AutoCAD
  • Minitab
  • USGBC LEED AP
  • Six Sigma Green Belt
  • PMP Professional
  • JobBOSS
  • Smartsheet
  • PMI MN Member

Industry Experience

  • Architectural
  • Construction
  • Manufacturing

Education Certification

  • Master of Science in Management and Leadership - Project Management, Purdue Global, West Lafayette, IN
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Technology Management, Herzing University, Crystal, MN
  • Associates of Applied Science in Architectural Drafting and Estimating, Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis, MN

Demonstrated Skills And Accountabilities

  • Accomplished team builder
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Adept problem solver
  • Excellent people skills
  • Initiative-taker with the ability to learn quickly
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Proficient multitasker
  • Avid challenge seeker
  • Identifies continuous improvement opportunities
  • Stakeholder focused
  • Collaborative communicator
  • Strong conflict resolution skills
  • Coach, mentor, and team leader

Chronological Experience

  • Senior Project Manager, Accelera by Cummins, Fridley, MN, 12/01/23, Present, Manage large projects for manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of multiple HyLYZER machines for the largest Hydrogen installation in the United States, Develop processes for PMO of a startup division of Cummins, Inc., Facilitate clear communication to ensure the team and stakeholders are on track and informed, Relationship management with demanding stakeholders, Create an environment where the team can exchange ideas and plan., Predict potential problems, brainstorm solutions, and develop alternatives., Continuous risk management to develop action plans without hampering project objectives, Negotiate terms with stakeholders, clients, or vendors, Evaluate problems from multiple angles and make informed decisions, Weekly progress reports to customers and Accelera management, Frequent project site visits to monitor progress and meet with the customer and commissioning team., Excellent time management: Hybrid position - 60% work from home and 40% at the office, Ability to meet project deadlines and communicate effectively with a global team., Represented PMO at a large sales event and delivered a presentation for expectations to expect from their PM throughout the course of a project.
  • Program Manager, Kurt Manufacturing, Fridley, MN, 06/01/21, 12/01/23, Organize and manage a large program for clients in the Semi-conductor industry, Budgeting, Create long term program goals, Manage Risks, Communicate across design team, procurement, quality team and fabrication departments, Create framework and processes to guide the program, Main point of contact for multiple Customer contacts
  • Project Manager, Johnson Screens, New Brighton, MN, 06/01/19, 05/01/21, Lead and Manage Multiple Large-Scale Fabrication Projects Simultaneously, Project Scheduling, Financial Reporting, Facilitate Kick off and start up Meetings, Collaborate with design team, procurement, quality team and fabrication departments, Analytical problem solver
  • Director of Project Management, BellPro Architectural, Rogers, MN, 01/01/18, 05/01/19, Supervise the Project Management and Drafting departments, Lead and Manage Multiple Fabrication Projects Simultaneously, Project Scheduling, JobBOSS software implementation lead, Material Procurement
  • Project Manager, MGS, Maple Grove, MN, 01/01/15, 12/01/18, Lead and Manage Multiple Manufacturing Projects Simultaneously, Developing New Business Processes, Implementing Operational and Manufacturing Improvements, Possess Meticulous Critical Thinking Skills That Focus on Collaboration and Root-cause Analysis., Collaborate with marketing, sales, sourcing, production, and finance teams to meet company objectives, Improve Efficiency and Increase Profitability, Team Building, Budget Management, Project Scope Design, Customer Relationship Management, Ability to react quickly to provide solutions for internal and external customers
  • Drafting Supervisor, Firestone Building Products, Anoka, MN, 01/01/12, 12/01/15, Supervision of Submittal Drafting Staff, Scheduling Workload of Staff, Bridge the Gap Between Submittal Drafting, Project Management, Estimating and Sales, Interviewing Potential Staff Members, Upper Management Support, Staff Development and Training, Quality Control Checks, Creation and Organization of Department SOP's, Creating Purchase Requisitions, Excellent Team Building and Leadership Skills, Member of the Social Events Committee
  • Senior Project Designer, Lampert Architects, St. Paul, MN, 01/01/98, 12/01/12, Senior Project Designer Responsible for Managing Multiple Projects Simultaneously, Coordinate Team of Drafters to Accomplish Project Deadlines, Point of Contact for Clients, Contractors and /Subcontractors, Formulated and Amended Preliminary Drawings and Contract Documents Using AutoCAD, Checked Drawings for Quality Control, Enhanced Communications Between Staff and Design Team, Met with Prospective Clients and Prepared Proposals for Commercial, Residential, Manufacturing, Financial and Religious Projects, Prepared Invoices, Supervision of Office Personnel, Mentoring of New Employees, Scheduling Workload of Staff to Meet Project Deadlines, Facilitate Meetings During Project Design, Interview Prospective Employees / Provide Support for the Hiring Process, Oversaw Marketing Activities for Obtaining Tenant Improvement Projects, Assembled Proposals for Government Contracts
  • Lead Drafter, Ibberson Engineering, Hopkins, MN, 01/01/92, 12/01/98, Drafting Using AutoCAD for Industrial Projects, Layout Buildings, Concrete Reinforcing, Equipment, Ducting, Piping and Structural Supports, Lead Drafter - Monitoring Drafters, Checking Drawings, Coordinating Project Correspondence, Issuing Drawings, maintaining stick sets, and drawing Lists, Precontracts Drafting - Preparing Proposal Drawings and Estimating, Managed Company Computer Software Check-in and Check Out Program, Maintained Engineering Vendor Catalog Library, Member of Employee Wellness Committee Contributing to the Health and Wellbeing of teammates

Project Roles

  • Program Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Project Designer
  • Lead Drafter

Affiliations

  • PMI Minnesota

Certification

PMP


Timeline

Senior Project Manager

Accelera by Cummins
12.2023 - Current

Program Manager

Kurt Manufacturing
06.2021 - 12.2023

Project Manager

Johnson Screens
06.2019 - 05.2021

Director of Project Management

BellPro Architectural
01.2018 - 05.2019

Project Manager

MGS
01.2015 - 01.2018

Drafting Supervisor

Firestone Building Products
01.2012 - 01.2015

Senior Project Designer

Lampert Architects
01.1998 - 01.2012

Lead Drafter

Ibberson Engineering
01.1992 - 01.1998

Associates of Applied Science - Architectural Drafting and Estimating

Dunwoody College of Technology

Master of Science - Management and Leadership - Project Management

Purdue Global

Bachelor of Science Degree - Technology Management

Herzing University
Tara Nienaber