Senior Project Manager

Reporting to the VP of Innovation, the New Product Introduction Program Sr. Manager will be responsible for bringing the global company’s products from concept to shelf in North America region. This position will manage each part of the stage gate process for innovation projects including the creation of a project database to be able to collect project charters, approvals and dashboards will be another important task that the candidate will perform.Stage Gate is a new process for the global company; therefore, this person will be responsible for designing, developing, and standing up the core capabilities required to commercialize a product through Stage Gate process using defined workflow tools. The ideal candidate will collaborate cross-functionally, manage projects, solve problems, and build the global company Stage Gate process to be able to successfully launch our products for idea to launch.Position Responsibilities:Roll-out a stage gate process and new workflow toolManage the end-to-end commercialization process from concept through to shelfCollaborate on process and RACI documentation and lead training for cross-functional teamsDevelop a prioritization framework and communicate priorities to cross-functional team membersReport out of KPIs associated with the steps in the commercialization process on a monthly basis to senior leaders within global companyWork with team to develop project timelines & communicate to all stakeholdersWork with team to help problem solve, remove roadblocks and manage scope changesInfluence and drive alignment amongst team members and across key stakeholders including the leadership team, marketing, sales, supply chain and R&DLead stage gate meetings to manage feasibility, launch and project lifecycles with cross-functional leadership teamResponsible for launching products on time & within specBe the gatekeeper for 1 source of truth on projects in the pipelineWork closely with the R&D function to ensure product development aligns with market needs, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing capabilitiesCollaborate with the manufacturing team to ensure efficient and effective production of high-quality products and to troubleshoot any production-related issuesIdentify risks and mitigation plans to avoid launch delays and lead the right escalation process accordinglyCoordinate with IT Team for stage gate automationJob RequirementsPosition Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry or related field desiredMinimum of eight to ten (8-10) years of experience in a commercialization function with at least 5 (five) years leading the end-to-end commercialization of new product launches (food industry highly preferred)Manage and collaborate with direct team and cross-functional associatesStrong project management skills including timeline development in MS Project or similar software, and cross-project task sequencingExperience using Sales Force and workflow tool preferredWorking knowledge or product manufacturing and the supply chain preferredSimplification and process improvement mindset with experience in streamlining overly complex processesStrong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage a wide range of personality typesGrit, passion, drive, and commitment to creating and achieving resultsSelf-starter, able to project manage and deliver results with little oversightAbility to navigate highly matrixed and global organizationAbility to manage through influence to drive results and accountability from peers and the cross-functional teamExperience with trials at pilot plant or manufacturing processes preferred

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