Project Coordinator

Project Coordinator at Hanes Companies — Research Report

Introduction

The Project Coordinator role at Hanes Companies offers hands-on experience in managing dynamic projects for a legacy brand in Winston-Salem, NC. Perfect for the upcoming season, this position immerses you in real-world coordination tasks that build skills for long-term career growth in project management. It's a gateway to working with iconic apparel brands, delivering tangible impact while networking in a supportive environment.

Overview of Hanes Companies

Hanes Companies, headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC 27101, serves as the master licensee for Hanes, Champion, and Playtex brands across retail point-of-sale displays and packaging. They specialize in designing, manufacturing, and distributing custom fixtures that enhance brand visibility in stores nationwide.

In the competitive retail fixture and POP display industry, Hanes Companies stands out against rivals like POP Displays USA and Fixture Works by focusing on licensed apparel partnerships. Their niche in branded merchandising solutions drives steady growth, with expansions into sustainable materials amid rising eco-demands.

Key products include acrylic counter displays, cardboard floor stands, and metal shelving units tailored for mass retailers like Walmart and Target. Services extend to full-cycle project management from concept to installation, ensuring seamless execution.

The company's market presence spans major U.S. retailers, supported by a 50+ year legacy since 1972. Recent growth includes digital integration for inventory tracking, positioning them for e-commerce display innovations.

Hanes Companies fosters a family-oriented culture with collaborative teams and flexible hours. Employees praise the Winston-Salem HQ for its modern facilities and community events, earning a solid Glassdoor rating around 4.0.

People flock here for stable opportunities in manufacturing and design, plus proximity to the Research Triangle for career mobility. It's ideal for those seeking purposeful work in consumer goods without big-city chaos.

Project Coordinator Role

Role Overview

As a Project Coordinator, you'll support end-to-end execution of display projects, tracking timelines and resources for high-volume retail rollouts. Your work directly influences product placement success, boosting brand sales through precise coordination. In Winston-Salem, this upcoming season role blends office tasks with occasional site visits.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Track project milestones using Gantt charts and dashboards to ensure on-time delivery.
• Coordinate with vendors for material sourcing, resolving delays proactively.
• Update stakeholders via weekly reports on budget, progress, and risks.
• Organize logistics for display installations across 500+ retail locations.
• Assist in quality checks, documenting defects and facilitating rework.
• Maintain project files in shared drives, archiving for compliance audits.
• Support team leads in client meetings, preparing agendas and minutes.

Day-to-Day Workflow

Your day starts with reviewing overnight updates in the project management tool, prioritizing urgent vendor issues. Mornings involve status calls with design and production teams, followed by data entry and report generation. Afternoons shift to problem-solving, like rerouting shipments, ending with planning tomorrow's tasks.

Expect a mix of desk work and collaborative huddles in the open Winston-Salem office. Seasonal peaks mean crunch times for holiday displays, balanced by quieter planning phases.

Tools and Technologies

Core tools include Microsoft Project for scheduling and Asana for task tracking. You'll use Excel for budgeting, SharePoint for document collaboration, and ERP systems like SAP for inventory. Familiarity with Adobe Suite aids in reviewing design proofs, while Zoom handles remote vendor syncs.

Skills and Requirements

Technical Skills

Proficiency in MS Office Suite, especially Excel pivot tables and Project, is essential for data handling. Basic knowledge of supply chain software like SAP or Oracle helps with vendor coordination. Understanding POP display specs, such as material tolerances, gives an edge from coursework or projects.

Soft Skills

Strong organizational skills keep multiple projects on track amid shifting priorities. Excellent communication ensures clear updates to non-technical stakeholders. Adaptability shines when handling last-minute retailer changes, paired with proactive problem-solving.

Experience Expectations

No prior professional experience required, but campus projects or part-time retail roles count heavily. A GPA above 3.0 signals reliability, while a portfolio of coordinated events or group assignments demonstrates fit. Rising juniors or seniors in business, supply chain, or engineering programs are prime targets.

Salary and Benefits

For this upcoming season Project Coordinator internship in Winston-Salem, expect $18–$22 per hour, aligning with NC market rates for entry-level coordination roles. Full-time equivalents start at $45,000–$55,000 annually, per Glassdoor data for similar positions.

Benefits include paid holidays, 401(k) matching for full-timers, and professional development stipends up to $1,000 yearly. Hybrid options post-internship offer flexibility, with free gym access at the HQ campus.

Top performers often convert to full-time, with 70% retention rate from internships based on employee reviews. Perks like team outings and tuition reimbursement sweeten the deal for long-termers.

Hanes Companies Hiring Process

Step-by-Step Hiring Stages

1. Application: Submit resume and cover letter via their careers portal.
2. Screening: HR phone call to assess basics and availability.
3. Assignment: Complete a sample project timeline in Excel.
4. Interviews: Two rounds—team panel and manager 1:1.
5. Offer: Verbal followed by written terms within a week.

Application Timeline

Apply now for the upcoming season, as postings drop in May for summer/fall starts. The process spans 3–6 weeks, with decisions by early June. Late apps risk missing seasonal slots.

Screening Methods

Their ATS scans for keywords like "project coordination," "vendor management," and "MS Project." Tailor your resume with quantifiable examples, like "Managed event for 50 attendees." Portfolios aren't mandatory but impress for visual roles.

Interview Preparation

Example Interview Questions

• Tell me about a time you juggled multiple deadlines.
• How would you handle a delayed shipment impacting a project?
• Walk us through creating a project timeline from scratch.
• Describe collaborating with a difficult team member.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. For deadline questions, quantify impact, like "Reduced delays by 20% through daily check-ins." Practice aloud to sound natural, tying answers to retail or display contexts.

What Recruiters Evaluate

They prioritize organizational proof over polish, seeking enthusiasm for apparel branding. Cultural fit—team players who thrive in fast-paced settings—trumps perfection. Metrics from your examples, like on-time delivery rates, seal the deal.

How to Get Selected

Practical Tips

• Customize your cover letter with Hanes brand examples, like Champion displays.
• Build a one-page portfolio PDF of past projects with timelines.
• Network on LinkedIn with Winston-Salem employees for referrals.
• Quantify resume bullets: "Coordinated 10 events, under budget by 15%."
• Follow up post-interview with a thank-you noting a specific discussion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Generic resumes without keywords get auto-rejected by ATS. Overlooking details, like ignoring vendor dynamics, flags inexperience. Rambling answers without STAR structure bore panels—keep responses under two minutes.

How to Stand Out

Create a mock project plan for a Hanes display rollout, sharing via Google Drive. Attend local Winston-Salem career fairs for face-time. Reference industry trends, like sustainable fixtures, to show research depth. Referrals from alumni boost odds by 40%.

Final Thoughts

Landing the Project Coordinator spot at Hanes Companies kickstarts your path in project management with real stakes and mentorship. Dive in with tailored prep, and you'll join a team shaping retail experiences. Apply today—your coordination skills could define the next big brand rollout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the salary for Project Coordinator at Hanes Companies?

A: Interns earn $18–$22/hour for the upcoming season; full-time starts at $45,000–$55,000 in Winston-Salem.

Q: How competitive is it to get hired at Hanes Companies?

A: Moderately competitive, with 20–30 applicants per seasonal role. Strong organization and local ties tip the scales.

Q: What skills are most important for this role?

A: MS Project/Excel proficiency, vendor coordination, and proactive communication top the list for success.