The Fresh Factory
Innovation Project Manager
The Fresh Factory, Carol Stream, Illinois, United States, 60158
Our Innovation Project Manager
will support the development of new business initiatives to deliver on the company's growth plan. This will include new product/business opportunities in food and beverage manufacturing. This position is a key link between supporting existing business and developing future manufacturing growth. The primary responsibility of this role is the management of the end-to-end commercialization process with the aim of bringing new products to market and launching new manufacturing lines successfully and efficiently. To be effective, this will require cross-functional coordination and working closely with Sales, R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Quality and Finance. Furthermore, providing Sales support to drive the business forward. Reports directly to the VP of Commercialization.
Job ResponsibilitiesEnsure that all commercialization meets food safety and quality parameters. Manage the commercialization of new food and beverage product projects, as determined by management, on 7+ production lines.Manage the commercialization of new manufacturing lines launch and equipment installations, where applicable.Lead the Stage-Gate process for all assigned projects; lead teams through critical checkpoints, including analysis and prioritization of risks and opportunities.Coordinate project review team meetings ensuring input from all stakeholders to key approval and development decisions.Create a project plan for each approved project and coordinate all activities to ensure adherence to plan and visibility to status of each project.Serve as project lead and communicate project plans, schedule, and budget with all relevant departments including Sales, R&D, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance.Responsible for keeping the project pipeline up to date and communicating to the team, including status updates.Identify and escalate potential risks to timelines/success of commercialization efforts.Manage and prioritize competing priorities among various projects and stakeholders.Coordinate across all functions the development and input of all internal and external documentation, required to enable the product to be produced and sold.Responsible for change management and its execution.Manage the execution of required ERP setup to facilitate the Commercialization process through the R&D department and coordinate with all other setup across all functional areas.Coordinate with R&D, Supply Chain and Quality on new item and vendor approval and setup.Vet and determine the feasibility of new projects. Recommend go or no-go decisions.Act as liaison for internal customers (Sales, R&D, Finance, Customer Service, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Engineering) for day-to-day product activities and questions.Support the company's long-term strategic plans and priorities from the lens of commercialization process and new or existing capabilitiesPerform other duties and special projects as assigned.Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent in experience5+ years of relevant experience in Project Management or leading projects at an established company2+ years of experience working at a food manufacturing companyPrior experience running Stage Gate processesPrior experience with new product commercializationPrior experience with new manufacturing line launches or equipment installations a plusStrong organization skills and an ability to manage multiple high-priority projects at onceOwnership mindset and consistent delivery on commitmentsA willingness to challenge our way of work to maximize our resources and enhance our successStrong communication and leadership skillsAbility to adapt in a fast-paced, evolving business environmentGood working knowledge in Microsoft excel and project management softwareAbility to work autonomously and seek guidance where necessaryAbility to work under pressure and be comfortable with ambiguityA self-starter and self-motivated individual with a positive attitude and ability to operate and influence cross-functionallyMust speak English; Spanish nice to have but not requiredPhysical Requirements:
May be required to spend time in cold room and wear Personal Protective Equipment when applicable to manage the commercialization processBenefits:
Competitive benefits package including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance and 401kGreat team and On-the-job training!
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status. This job description may be adjusted based on changing business needs.
JOB CODE: 1000026
will support the development of new business initiatives to deliver on the company's growth plan. This will include new product/business opportunities in food and beverage manufacturing. This position is a key link between supporting existing business and developing future manufacturing growth. The primary responsibility of this role is the management of the end-to-end commercialization process with the aim of bringing new products to market and launching new manufacturing lines successfully and efficiently. To be effective, this will require cross-functional coordination and working closely with Sales, R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Quality and Finance. Furthermore, providing Sales support to drive the business forward. Reports directly to the VP of Commercialization.
Job ResponsibilitiesEnsure that all commercialization meets food safety and quality parameters. Manage the commercialization of new food and beverage product projects, as determined by management, on 7+ production lines.Manage the commercialization of new manufacturing lines launch and equipment installations, where applicable.Lead the Stage-Gate process for all assigned projects; lead teams through critical checkpoints, including analysis and prioritization of risks and opportunities.Coordinate project review team meetings ensuring input from all stakeholders to key approval and development decisions.Create a project plan for each approved project and coordinate all activities to ensure adherence to plan and visibility to status of each project.Serve as project lead and communicate project plans, schedule, and budget with all relevant departments including Sales, R&D, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance.Responsible for keeping the project pipeline up to date and communicating to the team, including status updates.Identify and escalate potential risks to timelines/success of commercialization efforts.Manage and prioritize competing priorities among various projects and stakeholders.Coordinate across all functions the development and input of all internal and external documentation, required to enable the product to be produced and sold.Responsible for change management and its execution.Manage the execution of required ERP setup to facilitate the Commercialization process through the R&D department and coordinate with all other setup across all functional areas.Coordinate with R&D, Supply Chain and Quality on new item and vendor approval and setup.Vet and determine the feasibility of new projects. Recommend go or no-go decisions.Act as liaison for internal customers (Sales, R&D, Finance, Customer Service, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Engineering) for day-to-day product activities and questions.Support the company's long-term strategic plans and priorities from the lens of commercialization process and new or existing capabilitiesPerform other duties and special projects as assigned.Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent in experience5+ years of relevant experience in Project Management or leading projects at an established company2+ years of experience working at a food manufacturing companyPrior experience running Stage Gate processesPrior experience with new product commercializationPrior experience with new manufacturing line launches or equipment installations a plusStrong organization skills and an ability to manage multiple high-priority projects at onceOwnership mindset and consistent delivery on commitmentsA willingness to challenge our way of work to maximize our resources and enhance our successStrong communication and leadership skillsAbility to adapt in a fast-paced, evolving business environmentGood working knowledge in Microsoft excel and project management softwareAbility to work autonomously and seek guidance where necessaryAbility to work under pressure and be comfortable with ambiguityA self-starter and self-motivated individual with a positive attitude and ability to operate and influence cross-functionallyMust speak English; Spanish nice to have but not requiredPhysical Requirements:
May be required to spend time in cold room and wear Personal Protective Equipment when applicable to manage the commercialization processBenefits:
Competitive benefits package including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance and 401kGreat team and On-the-job training!
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status. This job description may be adjusted based on changing business needs.
JOB CODE: 1000026